An epic simile is a long, explicit comparison of two highly complex subjects. Its purpose is to help the reader visualize the original subject while enhancing the formal tone of the epic, or long poem. The ancient Greek poet Homer is generally considered the creator of the epic simile, which is also known as the Homeric simile. All similes tend to compare the subject to something extremely familiar to the intended audience so that the scene is easily imagined.
Every epic concerns serious events and heroic deeds, such as the Trojan War in the Iliad. Even mock epics, which treat trivial matters with the formality of an epic, contain epic similes to add to their satire.
While a regular simile typically compares only one object, an epic simile may draw similarities between several aspects of a person or situation. Figurative language in The Odyssey consists of metaphors , personification , and epic or Homeric similes.
Epic similes are an elaborate comparison between two unlike objects using like or as. The Odyssey is an epic poem and epic similes in The Odyssey abound. Following are examples of epic similes in The Odyssey.
Epic Simile: " Her mind in torment, wheeling like some lion at bay, dreading the gangs of hunters closing their cunning ring around him for the finish. The lion reference shows she still considers herself noble. Odysseus is the lion. The fawns are the suitors.
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