Qualities of an Epic

What is the definition of an Epic (n)?

• A short story about daily life

• A long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures (or the history of a nation)

• A scientific article

• A personal diary entry

What is Quality #1 of an epic hero?

• The hero is always a villain

• Plot centers around a hero of unbelievable fame/status

• The hero is always ordinary

• The hero never completes any tasks

According to the description, what does the epic hero complete?

• What everyone only attempts

• What everyone easily does

• Nothing at all

• Only small tasks

In ancient epics, the hero often is either partially ______ or at least protected by a god or God.

• divine

• mortal

• forgotten

• rebellious

Which of the following best describes Quality #2?

• Involves Deeds of Superhuman Strength and Valor. Accomplishes feats no real human could.

• Always tells the truth.

• Is a regular person with no special abilities.

• Prefers to avoid challenges.

What does 'Vast Setting' mean according to the description in the image?

• The action takes place in a single room

• The action spans not only geographical but also often cosmological across land, sea, into the underworld, or through space and time, etc.

• The action is limited to one city

• The action only involves one character

What does Quality #4 involve?

• Supernatural and/or otherworldly forces

• Only human actions

• Natural disasters

• Everyday life events

Fill in the blank: Quality #4 involves supernatural and/or otherworldly forces such as gods, demons, angels, ________, cheating death, etc.

• time/space travel

• weather patterns

• historical events

• animal migration

What does 'Sustained Elevation of Style' mean?

• Simple and straightforward language

• Overwritten, overly formal, highly stylized (poetry, lyricism/singing, exaggeration)

• Use of slang and informal speech

• Short, abrupt sentences

What does it mean when a poet remains objective and omniscient?

• The poet only shares their own perspective

• The poet knows and presents all perspectives

• The poet is biased towards one character

• The poet ignores other characters' thoughts