An epic poem extends notions of perfection and it invokes admiration, specifically in order to use mimesis in respect of access to affects of the human mind. All this is done by properly representing of great deeds and heroic characters.
The virtues celebrated in an epic poem typically include valour, truth, justice, fidelity, friendship, piety and magnanimity. All these virtues are presented to the reader's mind interwoven with ornaments of splendour and honour.
The Subject of an Epic Poem
The subject of an epic poem must necessarily possess the following three facets:
- It must be one, with only one action or enterprise.
- It must be great, so that it fixes attention, and its subject should be ancient.
- It must be interesting by the inclusion of affective incidents, valiant achievements, tender and pathetic moments, gentle scenes of love, friendship and affection. To be interesting, there must be dangers and obstacles for the hero to negotiate.
Interweaving the Epic Heroes
An epic may conclude either with success, or with a depressive outcome. No precise time boundaries can be set for the duration of an epic.
The characters and their personages ought to be proper and well-supported, displaying human nature including virtues and some vices. The principal character should invoke love and admiration in the reader. The characters may either be general, (wise, brave and virtuous), or particular (expressing the species of bravery, wisdom and of virtue).
Machinery of the Epic Fantasy
Many analysts propose that epic poetry is driven by the machinery of gods and supernatural beings. According to this view, the main action of the epic is carried on by the intervention of gods. The rationale for this is that the marvelous has a great charm for most readers.
Fame, discord, love and similar form the worst kind of machinery, and therefore, they ought never to form any part of the epic’s action. Because they are mere names of general ideas, they should not be considered as personal characters, and cannot mingle with human actors.
The Form of Epic Narration – Modern or Antique
In the poet’s narration, he might relate the story in his own modern character, or else, introduce one of the epic’s antique personages to carry out the narration. If the latter method is used, the poet derives greater liberty of setting up the subject of the epic, dwelling on the interwoven aspects of one person, and setting up the rest with a short recital. This is the preferable method when the subject is of great extent, spread out over several years. However, when the epic is spread over a short time, it might best be narrated in the poet’s own person.
The narration must be perspicuous, animated and enriched with all kinds of poetic beauty. It must be stronger, more dignified and fiery than other forms of poem. It should be ornamented with graveness and chastity, with nothing loose, ludicrous or affected. All its objects should be great, tender or pleasing, avoiding anything disgusting or shocking.
A Modern Epic Penned in Ancient Times
The most famous example of epic is the Epic of Gilgamesh, having been written by priests in the ancient Sumerian culture, and later having been amended by the modern priests of ancient Babylon.
Sources & Links
Hugh Blair, An Abridgment of Lectures on Rhetoric Key, Miekle & Riddle, Philadelphia 1832
Epic Hero's Dream - A Psychoanalytic Perspective
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