Epic or Elegy Conventions of Genre
The Epic Definition: A long narrative poem in elevated style presenting characters of high position in adventures forming an organic whole through their relation to a central heroic figure and through their development of episodes important to the history of a nation or race.
Characteristics The hero is of imposing stature, of national or international importance, and of great historical or legendary significance. The setting is vast, covering great nations, the world or the universe. The action consists of deeds of great valor or requiring superhuman courage.
Characteristics Supernatural forces – gods, angels and demons – interest themselves in the action. A style of sustained elevation. The poet retains a measure of objectivity. Some characteristics may be omitted from particular epics.
Conventions Invoking the Muse Beginning the narrative in medias res Catalogs of warriors, ships, armies Extended formal speeches by the main characters Makes frequent use of the EPIC SIMILE
Helper(s) Restitution Return Resurrection Appearance of defeat
Frodo’s Gandalf shows up uninvited. Sam Back to the Hobbit hole. Leaving the Shire. Frodo’s Destroy the ring. Wargs, orges, Gollum, etc. Temptation to hide and wear the ring. Regrouping. The blade of a ring wraith.
Gilgamesh’s Craves adventure. Enkidu Sleeping under the stars. Into the Cedar Forest Gilgamesh’s Beheading Humbaba Enter Humbaba Enkidu revives. Temptation to leave his friend to die Enkidu smashed.
Tolkien on Beowulf “It is essentially a balance, an opposition of ends and beginnings. In its simplest terms it is a contrasted description of two moments in a great life, rising and setting; an elaboration of the ancient and intensely moving contrast between youth and age, first achievement and final death. It is divided in consequence into two.”
An Elegiac Poem A mournful, melancholy, or plaintive poem Especially a funeral song or lament for the dead Traditional 3 Stages of Loss Greif and sorrow Praise and admiration Consolation and solace