An epic “is a long, narrative poem on a great and serious subject, told in an elevated style and centered on a heroic . . . figure on whose actions depends the fate of the tribe” (Abrams, 51).
You have read parts of an Anglo/Saxon epic (Beowulf) and a mock epic (Beocat), and now it’s your turn to try your hand at it.
Your assignment is to write a quasi-epic, a short version of the ones we’ve read in which you’ll practice the same techniques used by ancient writers.
Your epic- can be about any heroic or semi-heroic character you create or can be modeled after a non-fictional one. See me if you are unsure of an appropriate topic.
We will be discussing successful student epics from past years which also might inspire you.
