We're moving on in our study of the Great Books. Moving into the first story, the first epic. The epic poem is a long, narrative poem detailing an adventure or journey of an epic hero. We must remember what Foster teaches in How to Read a Book Like a Professor, a journey is never just a journey. It is a tale of seemingly insurmountable feats that ultimately results in the hero coming into maturity or self actualization. It's exciting as a reader to go along on these journeys. We can learn life lessons along with the hero himself.
Keep in mind the common characteristics of an epic hero as you read:
1. Unusual circumstances of birth, sometimes in danger or born into royalty
2. An event, sometimes traumatic leads to an adventure or quest
3. The hero has supernatural help
4. The hero must prove himself many times while on adventure
5. When the hero dies, he is rewarded spiritually.
Sounds like it would make a good movie!
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