What dominant features of the epic do you see at work in Gilgamesh and The Odyssey?
Definitions of "epic":
http://www.answers.com/epic
http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/resources/Literary.Terms.html#Epic
Gilgamesh:
http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/mesopotamian/gilgamesh/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilgamesh
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/GILG.HTM
Odyssey:
http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/odyssey.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odyssey
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/odyssey/
Be sure to let us know what you decide, and someone here will give you feedback.
=)
Oedipus is a typical tragic hero in that he is a high-placed person who in many ways brings about his own downfall. The play itself, with its shockingly violent yet logical climax, provides the catharsis (literally "purging" through pity and terror) which Aristotle defined as the essence of tragedy. Also, order is restored at the end, as is usual in tragedy.
Am I on the right track?
To identify the dominant features of the epic in Gilgamesh and The Odyssey, we need to understand the characteristics that define an epic. An epic is a long narrative poem that tells the heroic journey of a protagonist who embodies the values of their culture. Here are some dominant features commonly seen in both Gilgamesh and The Odyssey:
1. Epic Hero: Both Gilgamesh and Odysseus (the protagonist of The Odyssey) exhibit heroic traits. They are courageous, strong, and skilled warriors. They also possess flaws or inner struggles that they must overcome.
2. Hero's Journey: The narrative structure of both texts follows the hero's journey. The hero embarks on a quest or an adventure, faces challenges, encounters supernatural beings, and returns home transformed.
3. Divine Intervention: Both Gilgamesh and Odysseus interact with gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures throughout their journeys. The gods often play a role in assisting or hindering the hero's progress.
4. Epic Setting: The story takes place in vast and exotic locations, blending mythical and historical elements. In Gilgamesh, the action unfolds in ancient Mesopotamia, while The Odyssey is set in the Mediterranean Sea and its surroundings.
5. Themes of Honor, Glory, and Fate: The heroes strive for honor, glory, and immortality. They navigate challenges and confront their fates, often grappling with larger questions about the human condition.
To find additional dominant features, you can read both Gilgamesh and The Odyssey in depth. Pay attention to the narrative structure, character development, use of poetic devices, and recurring motifs. Analyzing the context, historical background, and cultural values of the works will provide further insights into the epic features at play.