1. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EPIC
1) magical protective devices
The hero is given magical protective devices
2) ideal character traits
The hero's character traits often reflect important ideals of society
3) gives a clear picture of the social and cultural patterns of the culture’s life
4) formal diction and serious tone
The poet uses formal diction and a serious tone
5) long, formal speeches
Major characters often deliver long, formal speeches
6) timeless values- courage, honor, patriotism, loyalty, honor, etc.
The poem reflects timeless values
7) setting vast in scope
The setting is vast in scope often involving more than one nation
8) universal themes- good and evil, life and death
The poem treats universal themes such as good and evil or life and death
9) hero changes and matures ("Rite of Passage")
The hero changes and matures as the story goes on ("Rite of Passage")
10) influential actions of the hero- fate of a nation
The actions of the hero often determine the fate of a nation or a group of people
