On Epic Literature, adapted from https://www.sace.sa.edu.au/documents/652891/52a19964-2045-468e-9c86-0dc3a69bd8ec.

1. The Epic PoemThe Epic Poem
 The epic or heroic poem is a long narrativeThe epic or heroic poem is a long narrative
poem on a serious subject, centred around thepoem on a serious subject, centred around the
actions of an heroic figure on whose actionsactions of an heroic figure on whose actions
depend the fate of a nation or race.depend the fate of a nation or race.
 The traditional epic poems were shaped fromThe traditional epic poems were shaped from
the legends of the Greek heroic age, when thethe legends of the Greek heroic age, when the
Mykenaean Greeks or Akhaeans were on theMykenaean Greeks or Akhaeans were on the
move and engaged in military conquest andmove and engaged in military conquest and
expansion during the Trojan War.expansion during the Trojan War.

2. Characteristics of Epic PoetryCharacteristics of Epic Poetry
 The hero is a figure of great national orThe hero is a figure of great national or
international importance.international importance.
 The setting is large in scale, sometimes world-The setting is large in scale, sometimes world-
wide, or at least of the known world.wide, or at least of the known world.

3. Characteristics of Epic PoetryCharacteristics of Epic Poetry
 The actions involves heroic deeds in battle or aThe actions involves heroic deeds in battle or a
long and arduous journey intrepidlylong and arduous journey intrepidly
accomplished.accomplished.
 In these great actions, the immortals and otherIn these great actions, the immortals and other
supernatural beings themselves take an interestsupernatural beings themselves take an interest
and active part.and active part.
 An epic poem is a ceremonial performance.An epic poem is a ceremonial performance.

4. Characteristics of Epic PoetryCharacteristics of Epic Poetry
 The poet begins by stating his theme, then invokesThe poet begins by stating his theme, then invokes
the Muses to help him with his undertaking.the Muses to help him with his undertaking.
 The narration usually begins in the middle point ofThe narration usually begins in the middle point of
the action and at a crucial point; the events thatthe action and at a crucial point; the events that
happened before the narrative opening are introducedhappened before the narrative opening are introduced
later on.later on.
 There are catalogues of some of the main characters,There are catalogues of some of the main characters,
introduced to the reader in formal detail.introduced to the reader in formal detail.

5. Narrative Features of Epic PoemsNarrative Features of Epic Poems
 Epic poems were initially performed as oralEpic poems were initially performed as oral
traditions, by wandering professional bards,traditions, by wandering professional bards,
and this has an impact upon the narrative ofand this has an impact upon the narrative of
the poem.the poem.

6.  DigressionsDigressions
 AnecdotesAnecdotes
 Myths and storiesMyths and stories
 EpithetsEpithets
 RepetitionsRepetitions
 Recurrent lines and phrasesRecurrent lines and phrases
Narrative Features of Epic PoemsNarrative Features of Epic Poems

7. Recurrent Lines and PhrasesRecurrent Lines and Phrases
 There is the repetition at length by a speakerThere is the repetition at length by a speaker
of another speaker’s, their own or theof another speaker’s, their own or the
narrator’s earlier words.narrator’s earlier words.
 The repetition of epithets.The repetition of epithets.
 Similar phrases used to introduce and/orSimilar phrases used to introduce and/or
conclude speeches.conclude speeches.
 Single lines or a group of lines whichSingle lines or a group of lines which
describe everyday life (e.g. beginning adescribe everyday life (e.g. beginning a
meal) or events (e.g. Dawn).meal) or events (e.g. Dawn).

8. Construction of CharactersConstruction of Characters
 Characterisation is the way that the charactersCharacterisation is the way that the characters
are constructed, which then develops theirare constructed, which then develops their
specific characteristics or nature.specific characteristics or nature.

9. Six Main Ways of Constructing aSix Main Ways of Constructing a
CharacterCharacter
 The habitual behaviour of the character.The habitual behaviour of the character.
 The physical description of the character.The physical description of the character.
 The known judgements and reaction ofThe known judgements and reaction of
other characters to them.other characters to them.

10.  The character is shown in specific episodes.The character is shown in specific episodes.
 The use of epithets or stock phrases toThe use of epithets or stock phrases to
describe the character.describe the character.
 Specific biographical details are providedSpecific biographical details are provided
about the character.about the character.
Six Main Ways of Constructing aSix Main Ways of Constructing a
CharacterCharacter

11. Structure of an Epic PoemStructure of an Epic Poem
 The structure of an epic poem is theThe structure of an epic poem is the
organisation of the plot. It is the order inorganisation of the plot. It is the order in
which the episodes that make up the plot arewhich the episodes that make up the plot are
presented to the audience.presented to the audience.
 The main type of structure for an epic poem isThe main type of structure for an epic poem is
non-linear.non-linear.
 Flashbacks are used to facilitate a non-linearFlashbacks are used to facilitate a non-linear
structure.structure.

12. ThemesThemes
 LoveLove
 LoyaltyLoyalty
 GenderGender
 Sexual DesireSexual Desire
 HonourHonour
 HeroismHeroism
 DeathDeath
 EnduranceEndurance
 CunningCunning
 PowerPower
 FriendshipFriendship
 HospitalityHospitality

13. ThemesThemes
 OrderOrder
 FamilyFamily
 ServitudeServitude
 PatriarchyPatriarchy
 ViolenceViolence
 SufferingSuffering
 AdolescenceAdolescence
 TemptationTemptation
 RespectRespect
 Human natureHuman nature