Epic Test

Question 1

Characteristics of an epic

Answer 1

1. A vast setting
2. Supernatural forces
3. Actions that consist of deeds of great valor or those requiring superhuman courage or strength
4. Elevated style
5. A relatively objective narrator (one that tells the story but doesn’t really get personally involved in it; usually third person point of view)
6. A hero of imposing stature, broad importance, and/or legendary status

Question 2

Heroes are often of obscure or mysterious origin

Answer 2

• may be sons of gods or of royal parents
• may have usual childhoods
• often they don’t discover real parentage until they can prove themselves through some sign

Question 3

Heroes are neither fools or invincible

Answer 3

• may be partly divine, but have definite human natures
• subject to fear and danger
• sometimes invulnerable except for one area of the body or by one weapon

Question 4

Heroes are called upon to make a journey or to flow a goal or quest

Answer 4

• often choose difficult or dangerous adventures, often not by choice
• labor for good of other by ridding land of a monster or bringing back a stolen object

Question 5

Epic

Answer 5

Long narrative poem that tells of the adventures of heroes across great spans of time and place