What is an Epic In literature an epic

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What is an Epic? In literature, an epic is a long narrative poem about

What is an Epic? In literature, an epic is a long narrative poem about an epic hero and the hero’s journey.

The Epic Hero • Someone who has superhuman strength and confidence. • Emerge victorious

The Epic Hero • Someone who has superhuman strength and confidence. • Emerge victorious from very difficult and scary situations. • Usually embody the ideals of a culture that are admirable.

The Epic Hero How was Shrek an epic hero?

The Epic Hero How was Shrek an epic hero?

Archetypes, what are they? • This is a character, situation, or image that are

Archetypes, what are they? • This is a character, situation, or image that are very recognizable in our culture. • Each Shrek character represents a specific archetype in our culture.

SHREK Archetypes • HERO—Shrek…literally doing superhuman deeds ( fighting fire breathing dragon) • QUEST—to

SHREK Archetypes • HERO—Shrek…literally doing superhuman deeds ( fighting fire breathing dragon) • QUEST—to find and rescue Princess Fiona • TASK—to get his swamp back from the fairy creatures • HUNTING GROUP OF COMPANIONS—Donkey is there to make Shrek’s humanity come out and show that he is not just an ogre at heart • FRIENDLY BEAST—Donkey • DAMSEL IN DISTRESS—Princess Fiona in the highest tower • HEAVEN VS. HELL—glowing embers and fire are shown to be the habitat of the dragon. • LIGHT VS. DARKNESS—the castle is dark to represent evil; Fiona is first seen in a ray of light; as soon as they escape, they emerge into daytime since they have escaped evil

SHREK Archetypes • DEATH AND REBIRTH—when they escape the dragon, morning is dawning suggesting

SHREK Archetypes • DEATH AND REBIRTH—when they escape the dragon, morning is dawning suggesting hope and rebirth • BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL—Shrek and Donkey vs the Dragon • STAR-CROSSED LOVERS—Dragons and Donkeys aren’t supposed to be together • EVIL FIGURE WITH A GOOD HEART—Dragon appears at first as an Evil Figure, especially with the remains of the knights, but Donkey saves her and converts her to good • CREATURE OF NIGHTMARE—Dragon before she falls in love with Donkey • THE JOURNEY—Shrek and Donkey face their fears and conquer the dragon, finding Fiona to accomplish their task

Epithets, what are they? • An epithet is a small descriptive phrase used to

Epithets, what are they? • An epithet is a small descriptive phrase used to characterize a person or thing. • For example, an epithet for the singer Prince would be “the author formally known as prince” • What kind of epithet could we write for Shrek?

Epic Similes • Epic simile is a comparison using the words like or as

Epic Similes • Epic simile is a comparison using the words like or as but it goes on for several lines in literature. It could go on for as long as 20 lines.

Allusions • It is a reference to a famous person, place, thing, or event.

Allusions • It is a reference to a famous person, place, thing, or event. • This is a reference to something that you already know. • Shrek is full of them…can you find at least 2 in the first 3 minutes of the movie?

Epic Plot • Plot- events in a story…so epic plot is… • Events that

Epic Plot • Plot- events in a story…so epic plot is… • Events that involve a long journey full of complications for example: – Strange creatures – Large scale events – Treacherous land – Divine intervention

Epic Setting • Setting= where a story takes place…epic setting… • Epic setting is

Epic Setting • Setting= where a story takes place…epic setting… • Epic setting is where the journey takes place, usually more than one place for example: – Fantastic exotic lands – Involves more than one nation, or country

Epic Themes • Theme= message of the story, so epic theme is… • Reflects

Epic Themes • Theme= message of the story, so epic theme is… • Reflects a universal concern for example: – Courage – Fate of a nation – Homecoming – Beauty – Loyalty – Life and death