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What does epic mean in literature?
epic, long narrative poem recounting heroic deeds, although the term has also been loosely used to describe novels, such as Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, and motion pictures, such as Sergey Eisenstein’s Ivan the Terrible. In literary usage, the term encompasses both oral and written compositions.
What is an epic as a literary genre?
An epic is a long, often book-length, narrative in verse form that retells the heroic journey of a single person or a group of persons. Elements that typically distinguish epics include superhuman deeds, fabulous adventures, highly stylized language, and a blending of lyrical and dramatic traditions.
What are the characteristics of epic literature?
Epics have seven main characteristics:
- The hero is outstanding.
- The setting is large.
- The action is made of deeds of great valor or requiring superhuman courage.
- Supernatural forces—gods, angels, demons—insert themselves in the action.
- It is written in a very special style (verse as opposed to prose).
What is the importance of epic in our literature?
Epics are Chronicles of our History and Past Culture Epics depict what happened in the past. They tell us about the happenings that shaped our culture. Epics are the proofs of our culture. They tell us about our history.
What is meant by epic poetry?
An epic poem is a lengthy, narrative work of poetry. These long poems typically detail extraordinary feats and adventures of characters from a distant past. The word “epic” comes from the ancient Greek term “epos,” which means “story, word, poem.”
What is an example of epic poetry?
Popular Examples of Epic Poems. Perhaps the most widely known epic poems are Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey, both of which detail the events of the Trojan War and King Odysseus’s journey home from Troy.
What are two types of epic?
Types of Epic. There are two main types of epic: folk and literary. Folk epic is an old form of epic poem that was originally told in oral form. Over time authors tried to preserve them by writing them down in hard copies.