Epic Conventions Flashcards
Invocation to a muse
When the speaker of the poem asks the Muse for inspiration
(Calliope is the muse of epic poetry)
In media res
“in the middle of things” or “in the middle of the action”
Beginning (after the invocation) with action instead of background information helps capture audience attention
hubris
A personality quality of extreme or excessive pride or dangerous overconfidence
epithet
A literary device that describes a person, place, or object by accompanying or replacing it with a descriptive word or phrase.
Some examples of Homer’s epithets include “rosy-fingered dawn” and “son of Laertes,” for Odysseus.
Kenning
two-word metaphorical name for something
For example: “sea-road” for ocean
Epic simile
A long comparison over many lines.
Such similes were another way to fill out the meter
and aid the poet’s memory.
Objective tone
By keeping an emotional distance, the poet focuses attention on the story.
meter
A fixed rhythmic pattern
A strong meter helps the oral poet remember the lines. In the
original Greek, the Odyssey uses hexameter, or six beats to a line, which helps create a fast pace.
kleos
Eternal glory or “what people say about you.”
xenia
The custom of offering protection and hospitality to strangers.
metis
Good counsel, planning, cunning, wisdom
arete
Excellence, or living up to your full potential.
