Difference between Epic Poem and a Mock Epic Poem

FACETS OF AN EPIC

1. The theme of an epic is always grand and lofty
2. It deals with great things and happenings
3. Heroes of epic are risk takers and adventurers
4. Heroes are always giant killers and do great deeds
5. Heroes launch themselves on perilous adventures
6. The hero belongs to high personage or genealogy
7. Heroes are equipped with heavy ammunition
8. It exhibits combats and bloody fights
9. Heroes are assisted by their fellow beings in the time of distress
10. The writer employs supernatural machinery
11. The writer produces an atmosphere of horror and terror
12. The writer presents a marvelous world of under-world
13. Abstract ideas dominate the concrete ones throughout the story
14. The writer makes use of bombastic, fantastic and flowery language

 

FACETS OF MOCK EPIC

1. In mock epic, an epic is mocked at
2. Little things are made great and great things are made little
3. Theme of the poem is always of lowly nature but is described on an epic level
4. The poet choses a trivial theme but describes it on an epic level
5. Theme and characters do not change and remain the same till end
6. Incidents and events change with the progress of the story
7. The contrast between the stagnant characters and ever-changing theme assumes a funny shape