What is the main difference between epic and tragedy?
The main difference between epic and tragedy is that epic uses narration whereas tragedy uses dramatization. Hence, epic is a long poem while tragedy is usually a play. Moreover, an epic is comparatively lengthier a tragedy.
What is an epic poem and did it differ from other kinds of poetry?
An epic poem is a lengthy, narrative work of poetry. These long poems typically detail extraordinary feats and adventures of characters from a distant past. The word “epic” comes from the ancient Greek term “epos,” which means “story, word, poem.”
What are the types of epic?
Types of Epic. There are two main types of epic: folk and literary. Folk epic is an old form of epic poem that was originally told in oral form. Over time authors tried to preserve them by writing them down in hard copies.
How does Aristotle differentiate between tragedy and comedy?
Aristotle, in his Poetics, states that comedy originated in phallic songs and that, like tragedy, it began in improvisation. The distinction is basic to the Aristotelian differentiation between tragedy and comedy: tragedy imitates men who are better than the average and comedy men who are worse.
Why is tragedy better than epic?
Tragedy, Aristotle now argues, is superior to epic. Tragedy contains all the elements of the epic, but manages to present its story in a much shorter span of time and with a greater degree of unity. The concentration of the tragic plot heightens its impact on the audience.
What is the difference between a primary epic and a secondary epic?
Difference between primary epic and secondary epic: Primary epic belongs to oral tradition. It is composed orally and recited. In some cases, it is written down later. But the secondary epic is written down at the start.
What is the difference between epic and other literature?
Explanation of an epic An epic is a long narrative poem that usually deals with important subjects matter like events of cultural significance and heroic actions. Though it is technically a poem, they switch scenes and feature dialogue, making them quite unlike any other form of poetry in the literary world.
What are the three characteristics of an epic poem?
The action is made of deeds of great valor or requiring superhuman courage. Supernatural forces—gods, angels, demons—insert themselves in the action. It is written in a very special style (verse as opposed to prose). The poet tries to remain objective.
What are two types of epic?
What is epic example?
The definition of epic is something that refers to a heroic story or something that is heroic or grand. An example of epic is a big production movie with story sequels such as the Star Wars series. An example of epic is Milton’s Paradise Lost.
What is the major difference between tragedy and comedy?
A tragedy has a sad and depressing ending while a comedy has a happy and vigorous ending. The plot of a tragedy is marked with a series of actions that happened to the protagonist causing fear and pity in the audience while a comic plot often creates laughter in the audience.
How does Aristotle distinguish epic from tragedy in his Poetics?
Aristotle seems to treat tragedy and epic poetry as largely similar. They are both meant to be imitations of great deeds, noble heroes, and tragic suffering, the main difference being that tragedy conveys all this by means of action, while epic poetry does so by means of language alone.
How is epic poetry similar to a tragedy?
Aristotle admired Homer in this case as Homer chose a particular portion and not the whole of the Trojan War for his epic. Epic poetry is similar to tragedy because it has as many species as tragedy. Like a tragedy, the epic plots can be complex or simple, full of suffering, or concentrate on Character.
What are the six elements of a tragedy?
According to Aristotle, a tragedy should consist of mainly six elements: Plot, Character, Thought, Diction, Song and Spectacle. The plot is divided into five acts, and each act is further divided into several scenes. Characters include hero and heroine and other minor characters.
Which is the best description of an epic hero?
An epic hero is superhuman. His braver, stronger, smarter and cleverer than an ordinary man. The epic hero is on a quest for something of great value to him or to his people. The divine world interferes with the human world. The epic hero often experiences a symbolic death or has to travel to the underworld.
Who is the tragic hero in Greek tragedy?
1. The tragic hero is a man of noble stature. He has greatness about him. He is not an ordinary man, but one of outstanding quality. In Greek and in Shakespearean tragedy, he is usually a prince or king.