Elements of an Epic
BY ADAM NEWTON
PLOT CENTERS AROUND HERO
The epic hero that the plot is centered around is Odysseus. He accomplishes things others can only attempt to try. The suitors try and string the bow and fail, while Odysseus completes the challenge.
SUPERHUMAN STRENGTH
Odysseus shows his strength throughout the Odyssey, but the revenge of the suitors shows his true strength.
VAST SETTING
Odysseus went from fighting at the Trojan War, to fighting the big cyclops, to killing all the suitors back in Ithaca.
SUPERNATURAL FORCES
Odysseus is helped by Athena, a Greek goddess to help him return home and defeat the suitors.
SUSTAINED ELEVATION WRITING STYLE
Homer has many long descriptions in his writings, he uses many lines to describe an object, or person.
LEGENDARY HERO
Odysseus was well known throughout the ancient world, but he was most known for the invention of The Trojan Horse .
The Call to Adventure
Odysseus' Call to Adventure is The Trojan War.
Supernatural aid
Some of the Gods aid Odysseus.
Threshold of Adventure
Odysseus is losing his men.
Helper
Athena helps Odysseus.
Temptations
The Sirens, The Lotus Flowers, The Women.
Challenges
The Cyclops, The Storm, and The Cattle.
Helper
Athena helps Odysseus.
Abyss
Being trapped on the island with Calypso.
Transformation
From himself, to a beggar, to a younger, stronger man.
Atonement
Odysseus kills all the Suitors.
Gift of the Godess
Help from Athena.
Return
Penelope finds out that the beggar is actually Odysseus.
WORK CITED
Fitzgerald, Robert. Prentice Hall Literature. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson, 2014. Web.