Student Question
What characteristics define an epic in literature?
Quick answer:
An epic is a long narrative poem that details the trials and triumphs of a hero, reflecting the values and beliefs of the hero's culture. It includes elements of fiction such as characters, setting, and plot, similar to a short story. Famous examples include Beowulf, The Iliad, and The Odyssey. The hero often embodies cultural ideals and faces significant challenges.
An epic is usually in the form of a long, narrative poem. The main characteristic is that it tells the trials and triumphs of a hero, and this hero is the embodiment of the values and beliefs of the culture in which the tale is told. Examples of epics include Beowulf, The Song of Roland, The Iliad, The Odyssey, Gilgamesh, Ramayana, or Sundiata.
Since it is a narrative poem it would contain all of the elements of fiction, much like a short story. There are characters, setting, plot, climax, and so forth.
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