EPIC

A long narrative poem

about a character who
embodies the values of
the society.
The narrative focused on
the epic hero or demigod
who represents the
cultural values of a race,
nation, or religious group.
Epics typically begin as oral
traditions before being
written down. To this end,
epics have an order and
repetition of events that made
them easier to remember.
EXAMPLE :
EXAMPLE :
 ELEMENTS OF AN EPIC

1. Plot centers around a Hero of

Unbelievable Stature
• The epic hero completes
what everyone only attempts. In
ancient epics, the hero often is
either partially divine or at least
protected by a god or God.
 ELEMENTS OF AN EPIC

2. Involves deeds of
superhuman strength and valor.
• Accomplish feats no real
human could.
 ELEMENTS OF AN EPIC

3. Vast Setting
• The actions of the hero span the
continent, other realms, or even
worlds.
 ELEMENTS OF AN EPIC

4. Involves supernatural and-or

otherworldly forces

• Gods, demons, angels,

time/space travel, cheating death
etc.
 ELEMENTS OF AN EPIC
5. Sustained elevation of style
• Overwritten. Overly formal,
highly stylized (poetry, lyricism
(singing), exaggeration)
6. Omniscient Narrator
• The narrator sees and knows
all and presents all perspectives.
 WHAT IS A THEME

A theme encapsulates the central

idea or message that an author
conveys through their work.
Authors use characters, plots, and
settings to convey these ideas.
Think of themes as the backbone,
providing structure and meaning.
 COMMON THEMES IN LITERATURE

In many cases, works that explore beauty as a

theme explore the very concept of beauty
itself. What is beauty? What makes something
Beauty or someone beautiful? Other works explore and
deconstruct beauty standards, sometimes in the
context of how these beauty standards
privilege one group over another.
 COMMON THEMES IN LITERATURE

• Exploring the complexities of human

connection, love, and relationships are
themes that consistently appear in
Love and literature. Whether it’s the passionate
romance of Shakespeare or the
Relationships modern exploration of
companionship, these themes reflect
our innate desire for connection.
 COMMON THEMES IN LITERATURE

Good vs. Broadly, this theme is about how good and evil
forces are, and always have been, at play in
Evil our world.

Another common theme in literature is change

Change vs. tradition because this, too, is something we
all experience in some way. Stories might
vs. explore this theme by asking when change is
necessary, when tradition is helpful versus
tradition holding people back, and how to implement
change.
 COMMON THEMES IN LITERATURE

Coming- When a character transitions from the

innocence of childhood to the maturity of
of-age adulthood.
Loyalty is one of the forces that keeps
friendships intact, families in power, and the
status quo in place. In a story with loyalty as
Loyalty one of its themes, the author might explore
whether these conditions are desirable—or if
the loyalty keeping them in place is more
destructive than beneficial.
 COMMON THEMES IN LITERATURE
Just like loyalty is a common theme, so is
betrayal, as betrayal is the violation of loyalty. A
work that explores betrayal might ask when
Betrayal betrayal is justified or explore the kinds of
actions that constitute betrayal and the
repercussions that can follow.

Life and death is another common theme in

Life and literature because everybody experiences both
life and death. Stories might explore themes of
death life cycles or life after death (in the literal or
metaphorical sense).
 COMMON THEMES IN LITERATURE
The world isn’t always fair. Justice isn’t always
served—and when it is, it doesn’t always look
how we imagined it would. These are the kinds
Justice of statements stories with justice themes might
make. They might also explore themes of justice
even when it’s unpopular, justice in the face of
social pressure, and justice as morality.
 COMMON THEMES IN LITERATURE
Family is another universal theme because it
pushes us to consider where we come from,
how we fit into social groups large and small,
and how our formative experiences have
shaped us. Stories with family themes might
Family explore family dynamics, resilience, life cycles,
and how ideologies are passed (or not passed)
from generation to generation. They might also
explore themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, and
trust.
 COMMON THEMES IN LITERATURE
Power is a common theme because power is,
like many of the other entries in this list,
something all of us experience. Stories that deal
with power themes might ask questions about
Power how power is attained and retained, who holds
power, how power is transferred, and the
impact power can have on an individual or a
group.
 COMMON THEMES IN LITERATURE
Another common theme in literature is change
Change vs. tradition because this, too, is something we
all experience in some way. Stories might
vs. explore this theme by asking when change is
necessary, when tradition is helpful versus
tradition holding people back, and how to implement
change.
Thank You

For Listening!
 GROUP ACTIVITY:

In your group, discuss then fill in the

necessary information for each space.
Characters: Point of view: Plot:
(describe)

Theme:
Setting: