The epic is a long narrative poem that deals with the history and aspirations of national hero. The style is objective, elevated, and dignified. The traditional elements of an epic are:
a) Invocation to the Muses and proposition of the subject matter in the
beginning,
b) Involvement of supernatural elements,
c) A central hero of superman quality who fights for national or collective
interest,
d) A long perilous journey often on water,
e) An underworld journey,
f) Lofty language and grand style,
g) Long speeches,
h) Mighty battles,
i) Homeric similes and,
j) Glorification of justice and peace.
The epic maintains only the unity of action. Its plot should be dramatic. In centers upon a single action having a beginning, middle, and an end. It employs a single metre. Aristotle’s choice is the heroic metre. An epic consists of plot, character, diction, and thought.
The epic is divided into two types: the primary or folk loral epic and the secondary or literary epic. Through the primary epics, the epic tradition has been evolved. These are composed out of existing myths, legends, history, fairy tales, and so on. Homer’s Iliad is a primary epic. The secondary epics have been written by the learned poets imitating the model of the primary epic. For example: Milton’s Paradise Lost. So whereas the primary epic is flesh and spontaneous, the secondary one is learned, bookish, an imitative.
No comments:
Post a Comment