Gilgamesh Literary Terms Epics o o o Epic

Epics o o o Epic: long, narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a

Elements of an Epic o 4 Elements of an Epic o 1. Epic Hero:

Elements of an Epic o For example in The Odyssey: o 1. Odysseus (EPIC

Epic Conventions o Epic conventions (literary or formal characteristics) o 1. Opens by stating

Epic Conventions o Archetype: basic plot, character, symbol, or idea that recurs in the

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Gilgamesh Literary Terms

Epics o o o Epic: long, narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a legendary hero who is engaged in a dangerous journey, or quest, that is important to the history of a nation or people Two Types of Epics 1. Folk- epic that was written down long after it was recited or sung as entertainment and passed down by oral tradition Examples: Beowulf (Anglo-Saxon) Gilgamesh (Sumerian) 2. Literary- written by individual authors Examples: Iliad and Odyssey (Homer) Aeneid (Virgil) (Literary Epics were once Folk epics before someone decided to write the stories down)

Elements of an Epic o 4 Elements of an Epic o 1. Epic Hero: strong, brave, loyal, virtuous o -has flaws o -important to society o -semi divine (half-God) o 2. Epic Conflict: epic hero’s struggle against an obstacle or series of obstacles o 3. Heroic Quest: epic hero’s perilous journey in search of something of value to his people o 4. Divine Intervention: epic hero receives help from a god or some other supernatural force

Elements of an Epic o For example in The Odyssey: o 1. Odysseus (EPIC HERO) o 2. Saves men from Lotus Eaters and Cyclops (EPIC CONFLICT) o 3. Travels to get back home and reclaim Ithaca (HEROIC QUEST) o 4. Receives help from Athena, Zeus, and Apollo (DIVINE INTERVENTION)

Epic Conventions o Epic conventions (literary or formal characteristics) o 1. Opens by stating subject or purpose, followed by an invocation, appeal or prayer for help o 2. Plot begins in media res (in the middle of things) o 3. Serious tone with long, formal speeches by characters o 4. Includes epic similes, elaborate extended comparisons using like or as o 5. Includes epithets, descriptive words or phrases

Epic Conventions o Archetype: basic plot, character, symbol, or idea that recurs in the literature of many cultures. One archetype is the hero’s quest. o Characterization: means by which characters are created and developed o Direct characterization: author reveals characters’ personalities through direct statements, actions, speech, and thoughts