General Questions Flashcards

1
Q

What constitutes an epic? [7 things + definition]

A
  • Must be written in the style of an Epic, dactylic hexameter and use suitable language (e.g. epithets).
  • Tells the story of a hero.
  • The hero goes on a quest.
  • Includes the Gods (who were supposedly ‘closer’ to mortals in older Ancient Greece).
  • For some reason, the hero gets delayed along the way.
  • Portrays the accepted cultural values of the contemporary society it’s set in.
  • Action!

Definition of an epic: ‘A long narrative poem telling of a hero’s deeds’.

Other notable epics include (in date order):

  • The Epic of Gilgamesh; often regarded as first great work of literature + epic, written in Sumerian + Akkaidian.
  • Ramayana; One of the great works of Indian literature, plays an important role in Hindu literature. Written in Sanskrit.
  • The Aeneid; written by Virgil, tells the story of Aeneas. Written in Latin, influenced by Homer.
  • Beowulf; One of the oldest surviving Old English epic poems. One of the most important and famous works of Old English literature, tells us a lot about the evolution of the English language. Written in Old English.
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2
Q

Who wrote the Odyssey?

A

Homer.

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3
Q

Who is the hero/main character of the Odyssey?

A

Odysseus.

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4
Q

Briefly describe the character of Odysseus.

A
  • Wife of Penelope, father of Telemachus.
  • King of Ithaca.
  • Fought for 10 years in the Trojan war.
  • Led 12 ships from Ithaca to Troy.
  • Son of Laertes.
  • Has polymetis, Athene sees him as mortal representation of herself.
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