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.
2
Q
Who wrote the Odyssey?
A
Homer.
3
Q
Who is the hero/main character of the Odyssey?
A
Odysseus.
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.