The characteristics or the features of “Epic”
Shashi Kumar
M.A (Eng.)
Epic is one of the oldest or the oldest poetic forms; history does not give certain
evidence of its beginning. Although in the books of the history of English
Literature “Beowulf” is considered as the first poem and which is an epic. The
purpose of writing the particular paper is to give a short Idea of the characteristics
or the features of epic.
Epic:
An epic a long or lengthy narrative poetic form of work that deals with
extraordinary feats and adventures of characters. It is a polygonal or heroic
story of deeds of ‘heroes’ and ‘warriors' that covers myth, legend, folk tale
and history.
The word “epic” comes from the ancient Greek term “epos” which
means “story” or “legend”
Features or Characteristics:
1. Its plot centers around a Hero of outstanding courage:- The hero
involves in courageous tasks like fighting with monsters, jumping into
the unconditional situations, or many other tasks which others can not
perform. Ex. In the epic “Beowulf” the fights with a monster 'Grandel'
and wins in the fight.
2. The setting remains very large:- The setting of an epic remains very
large that covers many nations. Sometimes it is seen that it deals with
out of the world experiences and covers even hell and the haven. As
in Milton’s most popular epic 'Paradise Lost' Milton take us to the
journey of the Haven and Hell.
3. Presentation of supernatural forces:- In an epic the poet use
supernatural forces like gods, angels, demons, or ghosts. These
supernatural forces also take part in the fights.
4. Poet remains object or omniscient:- The narrator sees and knows
all presents and perspectives. The narrator also knows every events
and happenings that will going to be happen in future.
5. It covers a long narrative story:- Epic is always written in narrative
style, and vary long in length. “The Mahabharata”, the ancient Indian
Sanskrit epic, is the longest epic poem ever written. It covers 200,000
lines and 1.8 million words.
6. Poet gives the moral education through an epic:- Every epic
remains full of moral lessons and values. The poet gives moral
instructions in a specific manner to the readers. Basically, the poet
shows the difference between good and evil, and tells the readers that
truth and good always wins.
7. Great fight takes place between good and evil:- In epics always a
great fight takes place between good and evil. As in “The
Mahabharata” a great war takes place between Pandavas and
Kauravas, where Pandavas represents for the good and Kauravas
represents for the evil, and at the end the small army of Pandavas win
the war against the huge army of Kauravas.
8. It presents the heroic ideals:- It presents the heroic ideals such as
courage, sacrifice, honour, and patriotism.
Conclusion:
The epic is a long or lengthy narrative poetic form of work that deals
with extraordinary feats and adventures of characters. It is a polygonal
or heroic story of deeds of ‘heroes’ and ‘warriors' that covers myth,
legend, folk tale and history. These are the key features or the
characteristics of epic that I have tried to cover in a short way.
