1. WHAT DO THESE STORIES HAVE IN COMMON?

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EPIC HERO
courage (both physical and moral)
physical strength
skill in battle
faithfulness in cause, love, or quest
honesty and a sense of fair play
cleverness in devising a way out of a tight spot
willingness to sacrifice for his cause
ability to lead other men, hold their loyalty, and earn a significant place in history
human, has character flaws

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EPIC
physically impressive hero of national or international historical importance
a vast setting involving much of the known world and sometimes the land of the dead as well
action such as a quest or journey taken in search of something of value
evidence of supernatural at work
glorification of the hero at the end
a rootedness in a specific culture and society
invocation of the muse
Homeric simile
begins “in media res” – in the middle of things
extended formal speeches
epithets – mnemonic devices or phrases repeated over and over
“balanced ship” “grey eyed goddess”

4. Take five minutes of silence after the tardy bell to…
Consider why Rafferty believes modern society is so confounded by the epic. Do you agree or disagree. Be able to articulate your points.
Find evidence of three points Rafferty makes in comparing modern and ancient conceptions of the epic.
According to the Dauten article, why are writing, positive affirmations, and communicating so important?
How might Dauten and Rafferty characterize our society when it comes to emotion and its expression?