5. Odysseus- Epic Conventions Flashcards
1
Q
Muse
A
- Goddess of art
2
Q
In Media Res
A
- begin in the middle
- Epic usually begins when the action has already started and gone on for a while
3
Q
Stock phrases
A
- A phrase that’s repeated throughout the poem to provide the rhapsode time to think ahead to the next phase of the epic
4
Q
Epithets
A
- A descriptive phrase/ compound adjective used as a pronoun or to characterize a noun
- Ex. Odysseus= The Wanderer
5
Q
Epic Battles
A
- A common feature if the epic poem
- Includes a vivid description of battles between major characters or powerful armies.
- Also represent the conflicts endured by the given nation, culture, or race that the epic hero symbolizes
6
Q
Elevated Language
A
- The poem must assume a grave and serious tone
7
Q
Lofty Tone/ Style
A
- The poem must be written in a grandiose, exalted style
- Flowery language
8
Q
Homeric Simile
A
- An extended comparison between epic events to simple and easily understandable everyday events
9
Q
Rhapsode
A
- A working minstrel who would travel and perform retelling of epics.
- Classical Greek performer of epic poetry
10
Q
Epic Hero
A
- The protagonist of an epic poem that represents his nation, culture, or race
- Must be noble, have military prowess, and virtue
11
Q
Deus Ex Machina- Divine Intervention
A
- Gods will either assist or antagonize the epic hero, but their control will always be somewhat limited
12
Q
Hubris
A
- Excessive pride, confidence, arrogance
- Epic hero flaw that prevents him from achieving goals
13
Q
Journey to the Underworld/ Abyss
A
- The epic hero would often gain insights from the departed spirits encountered in the underworld
14
Q
Arduous Journey
A
- The epic hero will often travel to discover new places
- Expands the setting of the drama
15
Q
Invocation of the Muse
A
- Epic poets/narrators/rhapsodies would pray to a muse for inspiration and help in telling the story
