Epic

An epic hero demonstrates traits that are valued by society. Suppose that a society valued selflessness above all else. Which of the following is the BEST example of a trait of that society’s epic hero?

• A hero who is willing to sacrifice his life or happiness for the life or happiness of others.

• A hero who does everything to preserve his own life.

• A hero who is very good at getting out of sticky situations.

• A hero who is very intelligent.

a noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. (Protagonist of Epic Poetry)

• Epic Simile

• Epic Setting

• Epic Hero

• Epithet

small descriptive phrase used to characterize a person or thing

• Epithet

• Allegory

• Epic Theme

• Allusion

A comparison of two unlike things that uses "just so" or "as" and is developed over several lines of verse.

• epithet

• epic hero

• epic simile

• in media res

An epic begins "in media res" which means

• at the beginning

• at the end

• in the middle of things

• outside the story

Epic poetry begins with an invocation to the Muse. This means:

• a prayer or request to the goddesses for inspiration and to do a good job

• a demand to the gods to fix the current situation

• a request for immortality

• telling the gods that you will do a good job without them

These three elements of an epic help the poet remember the lines. One is a phrase about a person, another is a long comparison, and the last is the rhythmic pattern of the lines.

• lofty style

• epithet

• epic simile

• fixed meter

• starting in media res

This element of epic poetry means that the language that tells the story is elegant.

• lofty style

• objective tone

• strict meter

• in media res

Which of the following is true about literary epics in all situations?

• It is a long narrative poem.

• The main character (protagonist) is immortal.

• The characters are of common birth.

• They have to have grandiose battles.

Odysseus as the epic hero of The Odyssey frequently displays cunning or sly intelligence and craftiness to solve problems and defeat opponents. Based on that, what did the Greeks value highly?

• Bravery

• Strength

• Wit and cleverness

• Love