"An epic poem, or simply an epic, is a lengthy narrative poem typically about the extraordinary deeds of extraordinary characters who, in dealings with gods or other superhuman forces, gave shape to the mortal universe for their descendants."
This subfield deals with the analysis and interpretation of long narrative poems like Homer's Iliad and Virgil's Aeneid.
Definition of Epic Poetry: Epic poetry is a genre of literature that is characterized by grand themes, larger-than-life heroes, and a narrative style that is elevated, formal and structured.
Features of Epic Poetry: This topic covers the essential features or qualities of epic poetry such as the use of heroic couplets, elevated language, enumeration, continuous narrative, and invocation of literary gods.
Historical Background of Epic Poetry: This topic covers the origins of epic poetry, its development and evolution over time, and its cultural significance and influence.
The Epic Hero: This topic discusses the characteristics of the epic hero, the archetypal figure who embodies the ideals of his culture.
The Epic Journey: This topic explores the concept of the epic journey, the heroic quest that the epic hero embarks upon, and the obstacles he encounters along the way.
Mythology and Folklore in Epic Poetry: This topic covers the role of mythology and folklore in epic poetry, and how these elements help to establish the cultural context of the epic.
Literary Techniques in Epic Poetry: This topic discusses various literary devices used in epic poetry such as metaphor, simile, repetition, and allusion, and how these techniques contribute to the overall effect of the poem.
Critical Approaches to Epic Poetry: This topic covers different critical approaches that scholars have used to analyze and interpret epic poetry, such as structuralist, feminist, and psychoanalytic approaches.
Comparison of Different Epic Poems: This topic involves a comparison of different epic poems from different cultures, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Iliad, and the Odyssey, to compare similarities and differences in themes, characters, and literary techniques.
Reception of Epic Poetry: This topic covers the reception of epic poetry over time, from its initial audiences to contemporary readers, and how it has influenced literature and culture.
Narrative epic: A long, story-telling poem that focuses on a central hero or heroic event.
Didactic epic: An epic poem that is intended to educate and inform the reader, often with a moral or ethical message.
Dramatic epic: An epic poem that is performed as a drama or theatrical production, with a focus on dialogue and storytelling.
Mythological epic: An epic poem that draws from ancient myths and legends, often with a religious or supernatural theme.
Heroic epic: An epic poem that celebrates the accomplishments of a particular hero, often with a focus on military conquests or battles.
Philosophical epic: An epic poem that explores complex philosophical concepts or ideas, often using allegory or symbolic imagery.
Historical epic: An epic poem that recounts significant moments or events from history, often with a focus on the heroic deeds of real-life figures.
Romantic epic: An epic poem that focuses on themes of love, passion, and desire, often using rich and vivid imagery to evoke powerful emotions.
National epic: An epic poem that explores the history and culture of a particular nation or people, often with a focus on political or social issues.
Religious epic: An epic poem that explores religious themes and ideas, often with a focus on divine or supernatural forces.
"An epic poem, or simply an epic, is a lengthy narrative poem..."
"An epic poem... is typically about the extraordinary deeds of extraordinary characters..."
"...extraordinary characters who, in dealings with gods or other superhuman forces..."
"...extraordinary characters who, in dealings with gods or other superhuman forces, gave shape to the mortal universe..."
"...gave shape to the mortal universe for their descendants."
"...in dealings with gods or other superhuman forces..."
"...gave shape to the mortal universe for their descendants."
"An epic poem, or simply an epic, is a lengthy narrative poem typically about the extraordinary deeds of extraordinary characters..."
"...gave shape to the mortal universe for their descendants."
"...extraordinary deeds of extraordinary characters..."
"...in dealings with gods or other superhuman forces..."
"...in dealings with gods or other superhuman forces..."
"...gave shape to the mortal universe for their descendants."
No specific epic poem is mentioned in the paragraph.
The paragraph does not mention specific themes or motifs.
"...extraordinary deeds of extraordinary characters..."
"An epic poem, or simply an epic, is a lengthy narrative poem..."
"...gave shape to the mortal universe for their descendants."
"...in dealings with gods or other superhuman forces..."