What is an Epic? In literature, an epic is a long narrative poem about an epic hero and the hero’s journey.

The Epic Hero Someone who has superhuman strength and confidence. Emerge victorious from very difficult and scary situations. Usually embody the ideals of a culture that are admirable.

The Epic Hero How was Shrek an epic hero?

Archetypes, what are they? This is a character, situation, or image that are very recognizable in our culture. Each Shrek character represents a specific archetype in our culture.

SHREK Archetypes HERO—Shrek…literally doing superhuman deeds ( fighting fire breathing dragon) QUEST—to find and rescue Princess Fiona TASK—to get his swamp back from the fairy creatures HUNTING GROUP OF COMPANIONS—Donkey is there to make Shrek’s humanity come out and show that he is not just an ogre at heart FRIENDLY BEAST—Donkey DAMSEL IN DISTRESS—Princess Fiona in the highest tower HEAVEN VS. HELL—glowing embers and fire are shown to be the habitat of the dragon. LIGHT VS. DARKNESS—the castle is dark to represent evil; Fiona is first seen in a ray of light; as soon as they escape, they emerge into daytime since they have escaped evil

SHREK Archetypes DEATH AND REBIRTH—when they escape the dragon, morning is dawning suggesting hope and rebirth BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL—Shrek and Donkey vs the Dragon STAR-CROSSED LOVERS—Dragons and Donkeys aren’t supposed to be together EVIL FIGURE WITH A GOOD HEART—Dragon appears at first as an Evil Figure, especially with the remains of the knights, but Donkey saves her and converts her to good CREATURE OF NIGHTMARE—Dragon before she falls in love with Donkey THE JOURNEY—Shrek and Donkey face their fears and conquer the dragon, finding Fiona to accomplish their task

Epithets, what are they? An epithet is a small descriptive phrase used to characterize a person or thing. For example, an epithet for the singer Prince would be “the author formally known as prince” What kind of epithet could we write for Shrek?

Epic Similes Epic simile is a comparison using the words like or as but it goes on for several lines in literature. It could go on for as long as 20 lines.

Allusions It is a reference to a famous person, place, thing, or event. This is a reference to something that you already know. Shrek is full of them…can you find at least 2 in the first 3 minutes of the movie?

Epic Plot Plot- events in a story…so epic plot is… Events that involve a long journey full of complications for example: – Strange creatures – Large scale events – Treacherous land – Divine intervention

Epic Setting Setting= where a story takes place…epic setting… Epic setting is where the journey takes place, usually more than one place for example: – Fantastic exotic lands – Involves more than one nation, or country

Epic Themes Theme= message of the story, so epic theme is… Reflects a universal concern for example: – Courage – Fate of a nation – Homecoming – Beauty – Loyalty – Life and death