Epic Literature: The Odyssey

Which genre does "The Odyssey" belong to?

• Epic Literature

• Science Fiction

• Romantic Poetry

• Historical Fiction

All of the following are CHARACTERISTICS of epics EXCEPT

• ADVENTURES

• HERO'S DEEDS

• SUPERNATURAL

• ONE SETTING

What type of language is typically used in epics?

• Simple, conversational language

• Elevated, poetic language

• Technical jargon

• Slang and informal language

Epics often take place in multiple settings and involve which of the following?

• Ordinary people

• Supernatural beings

• Animals only

• Modern cities

All of the following are PART OF epics EXCEPT

• Opens with a prayer to a Muse

• begins with the end of the story

• uses epithets

• uses epic similes

What does the term "in media res" mean in the context of epic conventions?

• Beginning in the middle of the action

• Starting with a summary

• Ending with a prophecy

• Opening with a character list

What is an epithet?

• A descriptive name used to characterize a person, place, or thing

• A type of poem

• A historical event

• A scientific theory

Which of the following is an example of an epithet?

• Alexander the Great

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Eiffel Tower

• The Mona Lisa

What is an epic simile?

• long comparison

• nickname

• recurring pattern in literature

• short comparison

Which of the following is an example of an epic simile from The Odyssey?

• “the armies on horseback back appeared so suddenly...as the leaves and blades occur during spring”

• “the sun rose over the mountains”

• “the hero fought bravely in the battle”

• “the river flowed quietly through the valley”