CLAS 1020 Unit 4 Epic Conventions and Heroic Code

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