Epic Poetry

Epic Poetry: Exploration of what epic poetry is, its history and origins, and its form and style.

Virgil: In-depth look at the life and work of the Roman poet Virgil, author of the Aeneid.

The Aeneid: Analysis of the epic poem written by Virgil, which tells the story of Aeneas’ journey after the fall of Troy.

Homeric Epics: The works of the Greek poet Homer often served as major influences to Virgil’s epic poetry.

Characterization: How epic poems use characterization to communicate the values and ideals of the society that produced them.

Narrative Techniques: An examination of the different narrative techniques employed in epic poetry, such as flashbacks and foreshadowing.

Mythology: Epic poems often draw on the mythology of the cultures that produce them, and understanding these mythologies is crucial to fully understanding the works.

Historical Context: Epic poems are often rooted in historical events or cultural touchstones, and understanding the context in which they were produced is key to understanding their significance.

Symbolism: An exploration of the use of symbolism within epic poetry, including the use of allegory and the representation of abstract concepts.

Structure and Themes: Epic poetry often uses specific structures and themes to convey its messages, and understanding these elements can aid in interpretation and analysis.

Epic Heroes: The concept of the epic hero and the traits that define them, such as courage, loyalty, and perseverance.

The Divine: Many epic poems incorporate the divine or supernatural, and understanding these elements is crucial to understanding the works.

Historical Influence: The significant impact that epic poetry has had on literature and culture throughout history.

The Aeneid: Written by Virgil in the 1st century BC, it chronicles the journey of Aeneas, a Trojan prince, to Italy where he establishes the city of Rome.

The Iliad: Written by Homer in Ancient Greece, it tells the story of the Trojan War and the heroics of Achilles. It is often considered as the first epic poem.

The Odyssey: Another work by Homer, it tells the story of Odysseus and his ten-year journey back home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.

The Metamorphoses: Written by the Roman poet Ovid, it is a collection of mythological stories that explore themes of love, change, and transformation.

The Fasti: Another work by Ovid, it is an epic poem that explores the Roman calendar and the festivals that were celebrated during the different months of the year.

The Pharsalia: Written by the Roman poet Lucan, it chronicles the civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great.

The Thebaid: Written by the Roman poet Statius, it tells the story of the battle between the two sons of Oedipus, Eteocles, and Polynices, to claim the throne of Thebes.