Epic
An epic is a long narrative poem, dealing with
some act of heroism or heroic personalities. Aristotle’ has assigned it the
place second only to tragedy. The word ‘epic’ has come from the Greek word ‘epos’;
which means ‘narrative poetry’ celebrating heroic incidents of achievements. The
epic belongs actually to the class of long narrative poetry, written in a grand
style. In an epic poem, a central protagonist of brave-man quality struggles for
national or public interest. Lofty language and high style are major traits of
epic poem. An underground journey takes place in the epic poem. Supernatural
forces influence and participate in the action. Aristotle mention three requisites
for an epic-
(a) the unity of
action
(b) the entirety
of action
(c) the greatness
of action
Iliad, and Odyssey are
primary epics. Aeneid and Paradise Lost are Secondary epics. The
characteristics of epics-
Lofty
language and grand style
Strong battle
Long
speeches
An
underground journey
Sea voyages
Supernatural elements
Existence
of God and goddess
Heroic simile
A hero
of superhuman quality
Fight
for national interest
Influence of myths
Mission to
conquer any large thing
Long narrative
poem.
No comments:
Post a Comment