Difference Between Heroic Epic and Mock Heroic Epic --- In context of ‘The Rape of The Lock’
Hello everyone this blog is a a part of an assignment of
Paper 102: Literature of The Neoclassical Period.
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#Table of Content
Personal Information
Assignment Details
Abstract
Key Words
Introduction
Difference between Heroic Epic & Mock- Heroic Epic
Conclusion
References
Personal Information:
Name:- Khushi Goswami
Batch:- M.A. Sem 1 (2024-2026)
Enrollment no:- 5108240001
E-mail Address:- khushigoswami05317@gmail.com
Roll no:- 9
Assignment Details:
Topic:- Difference Between Heroic Epic and Mock Heroic Epic
Paper & Subject Code: 102 Literature of the Neoclassical Period-22393
Submitted To:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar
Date of Submission:- 20 November, 2024
Abstract:
Heroic and mock-heroic epics show a significant difference between the tone, purpose, and subject matter of each. Heroic epics, such as ‘The Iliad’ or ‘The Aeneid’, praise great deeds and honorable characters, going on to depict epic conflicts and themes involving heroism, honor, and the strife between good and evil. Elevated language, supernatural interventions, and epic conventions all work to create a sense of adoration and cultural pride.
Mock-heroic epics, in contrast, such as those found in Alexander Pope's ‘The Rape of the Lock’ parody the dignity of heroic epics by applying those elevated styles to trivial events. In ‘The Rape of the Lock’, Pope satirizes the pretensions of an 18th-century aristocracy, treating the trivial squabble over a stolen lock of hair to the epic gravity of a great heroic conflict. Using hyperbolic diction and burlesque of epic clichés, such as the invocation of the muse and supernatural interference by sylphs, and of course, wit, Pope demonstrates the contrast in the treatment of petty matters with VIP ideas.
In a word, ‘The Rape of the Lock’ stands quite apart from heroic epics by deflating their greatness and denouncing societal vanity, thus enhancing satire over the celebrated epic tradition.
Key Words:
Differences between Heroic epic and Mock Heroic epic in context of ‘The Rape of The Lock’.
Introduction: (Heroic epic)
Heroic epic is a long narrative poem that celebrates the deeds of a hero who embodies the values of their society. These works often address grand, universal themes and involve significant conflicts.
Heroic epics reflect the values of their time, often serving as cultural or nationalistic propaganda. For example, The Aeneid glorifies Rome’s origins under Augustus. Heroic epics inspire awe and admiration, building cultural identity and pride.
Purpose:- To enlarge upon a hero's courage, strength and morality.
To show cultural unity and nationalism.
To make the worth of a specific society or nation immortal.
Tone:- Mature, elevated, and noble.
The style used is full of expression to make the story great.
Themes: Heroism, loyalty, self-sacrifice, justice and good and evil.
It often focuses on the heroic journey or quest and its surroundings.
Composition: The work begins with the invocation of the muse.
Story starts in the middle of the action.
Richly uses epic similes, catalogs, and detailed descriptions.
It tells of supernatural interventions by gods, spirits, or monsters.
Examples: The Iliad by Homer: Focuses on Achilles during the Trojan War.
Beowulf: A hero battles the monster Grendel, his mother, and a dragon.
The Aeneid by Virgil: Chronicles the journey of Aeneas, destined to found Rome.
(Mock Heroic epic)
A mock-heroic epic is a satirical work that imitates the grand style and structure of heroic epics to ridicule trivial subjects or critique societal norms.
Mock-heroic epics, on the other hand, often arise in sophisticated or urban societies where literary traditions are well-established and ripe for satire (e.g., 18th-century England). Mock-heroic epics provoke laughter and reflection, questioning societal priorities or literary pretensions.
Purpose: To mock the conventions of the epic.
To mock human pride, social pretenses, or literary affectation.
For entertainment-humor and satire.
Tone: Humorous, ironic, hyperbolic.
The sublime language is used for comic effect to describe trivial happenings in an epic kind of way.
Themes: Ridiculousness, social follies, or common squabbles turned into great wars.
One's irritation with human pride, arrogance, or literary tics.
Plot: Hyperbolic invocation of a muse begins with.
Contains the media res structure along with other conventions of the epic.
Uses epic similes, catalogs, and supernatural elements for comic hyperbole.
Example: The Rape of the Lock by Alexander Pope: Treats
a quarrel over a stolen lock of hair as an epic battle.
Mac Flecknoe by John Dryden: Satirizes a rival poet, describing his mediocrity in epic terms.
The Dunciad by Alexander Pope: A critique of dullness and mediocrity in society.
Difference between Heroic epic and Mock Heroic epic:
Conclusion:
In ‘The Rape of the Lock’, Pope opposes the lofty grandeur of heroic epics to the triviality of a stolen lock of hair to create satirical mockery of aristocratic self-importance and social pomposity. Writing in high-style diction, utilizing conventions of the epic and incorporating supernatural elements, Pope playfully magnifies trivial circumstances such as going to a party, playing cards, or getting a haircut.
Such a mock-heroic treatment emphasizes the foolishness of taking petty misunderstandings seriously. As such, it underlines the lightheartedness of life in 18th century aristocracy. In its core, however, the poem is a parody of epic traditions and witty commentary on human pride and superficiality, which reflect a capability in literature to combine merriment with insight.
References:
Ryan, John S. Epic and Mock-Epic in England in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries. University of New England, 1981.
BROWN, DENNIS. “‘The Rape of the Lock’: Desire between Couple(t)s - a Counselling Intervention.” Critical Survey, vol. 16, no. 3, 2004, pp. 1–16. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41557285 . Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
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