Elements of an Epic

What is an epic?

• A) A short story that illustrates the morals of a particular society.

• B) A long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society.

• C) A brief poem that is written in praise of a particular individual's accomplishments.

• D) A novel that depicts the adventures of a central character in a historical setting.

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Epics often concern eternal human problems such as the conflict between what two concepts?

• Right and Wrong

• Love and Hate

• Good and Evil

• Peace and War

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How are epics often written or told?

• In a simple and straightforward manner

• On a grand scale and often in ceremonial style

• With a focus on individual characters

• Using modern language and themes

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What is a Folk Epic?

• A written composition that is unchanged over time.

• Oral compositions passed on from storyteller to storyteller and has changed over time.

• A modern story written in the style of ancient epics.

• A historical account of a nation's past.

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What distinguishes a Literary Epic from a Folk Epic?

• Literary Epics are based on true stories, while Folk Epics are fictional.

• Literary Epics are unchanged over time, while Folk Epics have changed.

• Folk Epics are written, while Literary Epics are oral.

• Folk Epics are longer than Literary Epics.

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What is the first characteristic of an epic hero as mentioned in the learning material?

• The hero is a great warrior.

• The hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a particular people or society.

• The hero has magical powers.

• The hero is a mythical creature.

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What is characteristic #2 of an epic setting according to the learning material?

• The setting is limited to the protagonist's hometown.

• The setting includes only natural and realistic locations.

• The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the dead.

• The setting is always in outer space.

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What is the third characteristic of an epic hero according to the learning material?

• The hero is always of noble birth or high position.

• The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest.

• The hero has a reputation for being a great warrior.

• The hero is often of lowly origin and rises to greatness through his or her deeds.

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What is the fourth characteristic of an epic as mentioned in the learning material?

• The hero often has a guide or mentor.

• The story is told in a grandiose style.

• Sometimes gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.

• The epic includes long, formal speeches.

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Charlotte is reading a book about ancient heroes. What is the fifth characteristic of an epic according to the learning material?

• The story includes a journey to foreign lands

• The story is told in heightened language

• The story involves a great war or battle

• The story contains a moral lesson

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