EPIC POEM BASICS
- The HERO is an nationally (or internationally) important (often legendary or historically significant) figure who is (usually) physically imposing and/or attractive.
- The SETTING is vast — it may span the nation, the world, even the universe (or in our case, it might be local — as in the school or Springfield.
- The QUEST consists of good deeds, bravery (sometimes at a supernatural level), supernatural powers and interference or assistance from forces beyond the realm of humanity (“the gods,” angels, or other heavenly–or otherwise–forces).
- The writing STYLE is one of grand simplicity and is told objectively.
ASSIGNMENT
YOUR story MUST have
- a HERO (like Beowulf) and
- a SOCIAL PROBLEM, as represented metaphorically by the MONSTER (like Grendel and his representation of the Devil or anything that worked against Biblical teachings).
- Your HERO must accept a QUEST and
- some sort of supernatural interference or powers must be present somewhere in the story.
- Your STYLE may be presented objectively, or you can approach it in a more contemporary narrative style.
- It is okay to exaggerate the social problem for the sake of increasing your story’s excitement.
The paper should be TYPED, and DOUBLE-SPACED.
Image Credit:
“The New Guy.” Florida Center for Instructional Technology. Educational Technology Clearinghouse. <http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/ 86500/86537/86537_the-new-guy.htm>. September 10, 2013.