Epic Poetry Characteristics to Know for English Literature – Before 1670

Epic poetry, prominent in English literature before 1670, captivates readers with its dramatic beginnings and grand themes. It features superhuman heroes, divine influences, and vast settings, all while exploring deep moral questions and cultural values through rich language and imagery.

1. Begins in medias res (in the middle of the action)

   • Engages the reader immediately with a dramatic moment.
   • Often requires flashbacks to provide background information.
   • Creates a sense of urgency and excitement from the outset.

2. Invocation of the Muse

   • The poet calls upon a divine source for inspiration.
   • Establishes the poem's authority and significance.
   • Connects the narrative to a larger cultural or spiritual context.

3. Vast setting, often spanning multiple worlds

   • Encompasses various geographical and mythical locations.
   • Reflects the epic's grand scale and universal themes.
   • Allows exploration of different cultures and societies.

4. Superhuman hero of great national or cosmic importance

   • The protagonist often embodies the values of their culture.
   • Their actions have significant consequences for their people or the universe.
   • Represents an idealized version of humanity.

5. Involvement of supernatural beings (gods, angels, demons)

   • Supernatural entities influence the plot and characters' fates.
   • Highlights the relationship between mortals and the divine.
   • Adds layers of complexity to the narrative through divine intervention.

6. Epic similes and metaphors

   • Elaborate comparisons enhance imagery and understanding.
   • Often extend over several lines, enriching the text.
   • Provide deeper insights into characters and themes.

7. Long, formal speeches

   • Characters express their thoughts and motivations in grandiloquent language.
   • Reflects the cultural values and social hierarchies of the time.
   • Serves to develop character and advance the plot.

8. Catalog of heroes or important figures

   • Lists notable characters, often with brief descriptions of their deeds.
   • Establishes the epic's historical context and significance.
   • Highlights the interconnectedness of characters within the narrative.

9. Divine intervention in human affairs

   • Gods or supernatural beings actively influence events.
   • Raises questions about fate, free will, and morality.
   • Often leads to pivotal moments in the plot.

10. Epic battles or quests

    • Central to the narrative, showcasing heroism and conflict.
    • Reflects the struggle between good and evil or order and chaos.
    • Often serves as a rite of passage for the hero.

11. Descent into the underworld

    • Represents a journey of transformation or self-discovery.
    • Explores themes of death, fate, and the afterlife.
    • Often reveals hidden truths about the hero or the world.

12. Use of epithets

    • Descriptive phrases used to characterize individuals.
    • Enhances memorability and adds a lyrical quality to the text.
    • Provides insight into the characters' traits and roles.

13. Elevated, formal language

    • Utilizes a grand style that reflects the epic's seriousness.
    • Enhances the dignity and importance of the subject matter.
    • Often includes archaic or poetic diction.

14. Themes of honor, fate, and duty

    • Central moral and philosophical questions explored throughout the narrative.
    • Characters often face dilemmas that test their values and beliefs.
    • Reflects the cultural ideals of the society from which the epic originates.

15. Lengthy narrative poem

    • Typically consists of multiple books or sections.
    • Allows for extensive character development and plot complexity.
    • Engages readers over a sustained period, creating an immersive experience.