What term describes a narrative that celebrates heroic deeds in an extended verse?

What term describes a narrative that celebrates heroic deeds in an extended verse?

• A. A myth
• B. An epic
• C. A parody
• D. A farce

Answer: (B)

An epic is a long narrative poem that celebrates heroic deeds in extended verse. It typically centers on a grand, often legendary or national, hero whose actions shape a people or even the world, and it uses elevated language and formal conventions—invoking the muse, opening in medias res, epic similes, and scenes with gods or fate. This combination of a sustained, elevated verse form and a focus on remarkable heroism is what makes it the best fit for describing a narrative that celebrates heroic deeds in lengthy verse. Other terms describe different kinds of literature: a myth is a traditional story about origins or divine beings, not defined by length or verse form; a parody imitates another work for humorous effect; a farce is a comedic play with improbable situations. None of those inherently matches the idea of an extended-verse celebration of heroic feats the way an epic does.

An epic is a long narrative poem that celebrates heroic deeds in extended verse. It typically centers on a grand, often legendary or national, hero whose actions shape a people or even the world, and it uses elevated language and formal conventions—invoking the muse, opening in medias res, epic similes, and scenes with gods or fate. This combination of a sustained, elevated verse form and a focus on remarkable heroism is what makes it the best fit for describing a narrative that celebrates heroic deeds in lengthy verse. Other terms describe different kinds of literature: a myth is a traditional story about origins or divine beings, not defined by length or verse form; a parody imitates another work for humorous effect; a farce is a comedic play with improbable situations. None of those inherently matches the idea of an extended-verse celebration of heroic feats the way an epic does.