Epic:

Form and Function

Divisions of epics:

I. Primary Epic II. Literary Epic
  • Of the oral tradition
  • A direct product of their time
  • Focus on heroic action
  • Anonymous spokesman
  • Written tradition
  • A reflection of their time
  • Display a wider range of themes
  • Personal voice
Example: Homeric epics Example: Virgilian Epic

What do they do?

  • Explore a theme

 

  • Aim high

 
  • "give profit through delight" -Tasso

 

  • "enhance our belief in... the dignity and nobility of man"- Bowra

The aspects of epic used vary depending on the style and purpose; a few major components of epic poetry are as follows:
  • Elevated Style
  • Journey
  • Honor
  • Battle
  • Love
  • Hero

Each individual work highlights specific traits in maintaining its epic form. The following pages examine how each of the following poets used love, honor, and battle in the epic form to relay their ideas.

 

Home
Video Clip
History
Epic Characteristics
Plot Summary
Courtly Love
Dante
Epic Attributes
Virtues
Chretien de Troyes
Bibliography
Links
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