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