Lesson #1 - Epic Poetry : Gilgamesh - Part One

Unit 1: Epic Beginnings

Lesson Goals : Read from Gilgamesh

• Identify features of epic poetry

• Analyze how features of an epic affect it’s plot

• Evaluate the structure of an epic

Epic

a long poem that tells the story of a hero

Repetition

the reappearance of words and phrases for effect

Structure

the way something is built, arranged, or organized

Legend

a story that is believed to be based on historical events

Features of Epic Poetry

• a courageous hero who answers a call to adventure

• a journey filled with many challenges

• a vast setting of different landscape

• supernatural forces, such as monsters, that intervene

Epic features help :

drive the plot

Epics are known for having a particular :

structure and style, as well as certain literary features

Elements of structure and style include :

• the use of poetic verse throughout the epic

• a narrative voice to tell the story

• detailed descriptions

• elevated, or eloquent, style

• compelling speeches

Repetition is an important part of an epics structure because it :

• allows poets to remember and retell the poem

• helps the audience absorb the poem

• creates a rhythmic pattern

• emphasizes important ideas