Epic Poetry (Homer)

Topic: EntertainmentThe Handmaid'S Tale
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Last updated: December 11, 2019
Hero
a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

Characteristics of a hero?
Courageous, Decisive, Helpful, Dedication to Selfless Service and Determination to do what is right.

Tragic Hero
A hero who has a tragic flaw.

Examples of tragic flaw.

Pride, Ambition and Anger.

Epic.
long poem, hero adventures, beliefs and culture of the society, superhuman deeds, majestic language, and a mythical setting.

Epic Hero
the main character or protagonist in an epic that heroically larger than life, often the source and subject of a legend or a national hero.

What tests the Epic Hero?
The antagonist.

Characteristics of Epic
A long narrative poem, Supernatural beings and the mood of the poem is serious.

Traditional Epic Hero
Strong, courageous and noble.

What are most epic heroes known for?
Noble birth, legendary, superhuman and stronger, smarter and braver than average humans.

What do epics often feature?
Involves supernatural and-or otherworldly forces, Involves deeds of superhuman strength and valor and a Vast Setting.

Describe Monsters?
Wreaks havoc and kills.

Describe Gods?
They have power to create and destroy.

When gods and monsters are involved what is the task of the hero?
Subdue monsters and appeal to the gods.

Who is one of the greatest Greek oral poets?
Homer.

Name 2 of homers poems.
Illiad and the odyssey.

How did Homer compose poems?
He came up with different variations to see what worked and he did orally.

What kind of pattern did Homer use?
Dactylic hexameter

Dactylic hexameter
Six feet, one long and two short syllables, or two long syllables. Break in the middle of the third foot called a caesura (Latin Poetry)

Where did Homer compose his poetry?
He did in front of people.

What were Homer’s verbal formulas?
Used recycled description of people.

What did homer do with longer passages?
Recycled over and over.

These passages often concerned routine actions such as what?
Putting on armor, going to bed or saying goodbye.

Did Homer have to memorize or make up each word? Why or why not?
He didn’t have to memorize or make up every word because his stories were a little different every time.

What is epic poetry?
is a lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation.

What does invocation mean?
Beginning plot of a story.

Characteristics of epic poetry
7 Examples

1 Characteristic of Epic Poetry.
the hero is a figure of heroic stature, of national importance, or international prominence, and of great historical or legendary significance.

2 Characteristic of Epic Poetry.
the setting is vast in scope, covering great nations, the world, or the the universe.

3 Characteristic of Epic Poetry.
the action consists of deeds of great valor or requiring great courage.

4 Characteristic of Epic Poetry.
supernatural forces interest themselves in the action and intervene from time to time.

5 Characteristic of Epic Poetry.
poets open by invoking a muse to inspire and instruct him.

6 Characteristic of Epic Poetry.
poet includes a journey to the underworld for his hero.

7 Characteristic of Epic Poetry.
poet includes catalogs of warriors, ships, armies: he gives extended formal speeches; and he makes frequent use of the epic simile.

How are epic poems narrated?
5 Examples

1 way an epic poem is narrated.
In an invocation, the poet-narrator begins by stating the tale’s subject and asking for poetic inspiration from a guiding spirit.

2 way an epic poem is narrated.
The narrator begins telling the tale in the “middle of things,” describing what is happening after certain important events have already occurred.

3 way an epic poem is narrated.
The narrative includes speeches by principal characters—including gods and antagonists of the epic hero—which reveal their personalities.

4 way an epic poem is narrated.
The narrative’s tone and style are formal rather than conversational.

5 way an epic poem is narrated.
The use of figurative language makes the narrative vivid and exciting for listeners and readers.

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