CLAS 1020 Unit 4 Epic Conventions and Heroic Code

Large Scale Conventions

Large Scale Conventions

• long narrative

• based on traditional legend

• heroes

• divine/supernatural intervention

• dignified style

Small Scale Conventions

• invocation of Muse

• begin in medias res (in the middle of things)

• similes

• catalogs

• ecphrasis (detailed description of art)

kudos (Heroic code)

thirst for praise --> ambition

timē (Heroic code)

thirst for fame --> ambition

aristeia (Heroic code)

“great achievements”; display of outstanding valor and prowess --> self-esteem based on status, reputation, external-validation

geras (Heroic code)

war-prizes, spoils, booty --> self-esteem based on status, reputation, external-validation