Glossary

8.4 The influence of Roman epics on later literature

2 min read•august 9, 2024

Roman epics like 's Aeneid and 's Metamorphoses shaped literature for centuries. Their influence sparked new epics in the Renaissance and beyond, inspiring works like and .

These classical epics also helped develop national literatures and identities. Writers across Europe created their own epic poems, drawing on Roman models while incorporating local traditions and contemporary themes.

Renaissance and Early Modern Epics

Dante's Divine Comedy and Milton's Paradise Lost

Top images from around the web for Dante's Divine Comedy and Milton's Paradise Lost

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Dante's Divine Comedy and Milton's Paradise Lost

1 of 3
  • Dante's Divine Comedy revolutionized by blending Christian theology with classical epic traditions
  • Composed in Italian vernacular instead of Latin expanded accessibility to wider audience
  • Structured as journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise reflects medieval cosmology and moral philosophy
  • Milton's Paradise Lost reimagined biblical narrative of Fall of Man in epic form
  • Utilized blank verse and grand style to elevate English as language of epic poetry
  • Explored complex theological themes such as free will, predestination, and nature of good and evil

Renaissance Epic and Allegorical Interpretation

  • Renaissance epics drew inspiration from classical models while incorporating contemporary themes and values
  • 's blended chivalric romance with
  • 's combined historical Crusades narrative with elements of romance and epic
  • Allegorical interpretation became prevalent in Renaissance readings of classical epics
  • Readers and scholars sought hidden moral, philosophical, or spiritual meanings within epic narratives
  • Virgil's Aeneid often interpreted as allegory for spiritual journey or political commentary

Influence on National Literatures

Development of National Epics

  • Epic poetry played crucial role in shaping national identities and literary traditions
  • ' celebrated Portuguese maritime explorations and national history
  • Finnish national epic compiled by Elias Lönnrot from oral folklore traditions
  • 's combined Arthurian legend with Protestant allegory to create distinctly English epic

Ovid's Influence on Shakespeare and Beyond

  • Ovid's Metamorphoses significantly impacted Shakespeare's works across multiple genres
  • Shakespearean plays like A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Tempest incorporate Ovidian themes and transformations
  • Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece directly adapted Ovidian narratives into narrative poems
  • Ovid's influence extended to other Renaissance writers such as and
  • Metamorphoses inspired countless artistic works in painting, sculpture, and opera throughout European cultural history

Neoclassical Revival

Resurgence of Classical Forms and Themes

  • Neoclassicism emerged in 18th century as reaction against perceived excesses of Baroque and Rococo styles
  • Renewed interest in classical literature and art forms influenced epic poetry and other genres
  • 's translations of and Odyssey popularized classical epics for English-speaking audience
  • attempted to create French national epic in classical style
  • Neoclassical epics often focused on historical or mythological subjects with didactic or moralistic purposes
  • cycle, while later revealed as partially fabricated, sparked interest in Celtic epic traditions

Key Terms to Review (30)

Alexander Pope: Alexander Pope was an influential English poet of the early 18th century, known for his satirical verse and use of heroic couplets. His works reflect the themes and structures of Classical poetry, particularly in their engagement with moral issues and social commentary, demonstrating the lasting impact of Roman epics on literary forms and poetic theory. Pope's writings also played a significant role in the Neoclassical movement, which sought to revive and emulate classical styles.
Archetypal hero: An archetypal hero is a character who embodies universal traits and patterns that are recognized across various cultures and narratives. These heroes typically go through a journey that includes stages like the call to adventure, facing trials, achieving a victory, and returning home transformed. This concept is significant in understanding how Roman epics influenced later literature, as many of their protagonists exemplified these heroic characteristics.
Augustan Literature: Augustan literature refers to the body of works produced during the reign of Emperor Augustus in Rome, particularly from 27 BCE to 14 CE. This era is marked by a flourishing of poetry, prose, and drama that emphasizes themes of patriotism, moral values, and the idealization of Roman culture. Notably, this literary period drew inspiration from earlier Greek works and set a foundation for future literary movements in Western literature.
Christopher Marlowe: Christopher Marlowe was an English playwright and poet active during the late 16th century, known for his blank verse and innovative dramatic techniques. He significantly influenced the development of Elizabethan drama and is often seen as a precursor to William Shakespeare, blending elements from Roman epics into his own works, which helped shape the narrative style of later literature.
Dante's Divine Comedy: Dante's Divine Comedy is an epic poem written by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri in the early 14th century, depicting the journey of the soul through the realms of the afterlife: Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Paradise). This work is significant as it draws heavily on classical literature, particularly Roman epics, establishing a foundation for later literary exploration of themes such as morality, redemption, and the human condition.
Divine intervention: Divine intervention refers to the involvement of deities in the affairs of humans, often altering the course of events in favor of individuals or groups. This concept is pivotal in epic poetry, where gods and goddesses frequently interact with characters, influencing their decisions and outcomes, and highlighting themes of fate versus free will.
Edmund Spenser: Edmund Spenser was a prominent English poet of the late 16th century, best known for his epic poem 'The Faerie Queene,' which embodies the ideals of the Renaissance and incorporates classical elements. His work reflects the influence of Roman epics and serves as a bridge between medieval literature and the emerging styles of the Renaissance, showcasing how classical themes and forms were adapted by later poets.
Epic conventions: Epic conventions are the traditional characteristics and stylistic elements found in epic poetry that help define the genre. These conventions often include a grand scale of events, elevated language, the involvement of divine intervention, and a focus on heroic deeds and journeys. They not only serve to enhance the narrative but also establish a framework that later literature could emulate or adapt.
Epic poetry: Epic poetry is a lengthy narrative poem that often tells the story of heroic deeds and significant events in a culture's history, typically involving gods, supernatural beings, or legendary heroes. This form of poetry combines elevated language with grand themes and serves to explore human experiences, morality, and societal values.
Fate vs. free will: Fate vs. free will is a central theme in literature that explores the extent to which characters' lives are determined by predetermined forces or their own choices. This tension raises questions about human agency, moral responsibility, and the nature of existence, often leading to complex character arcs where individuals grapple with their destinies versus their desires for autonomy.
Heroism: Heroism refers to the qualities, actions, and ideals associated with heroes, often involving bravery, self-sacrifice, and moral integrity in the face of adversity. This concept is deeply woven into the fabric of classical literature, where it shapes characters and narratives that exemplify courage and noble deeds.
Homer's Iliad: Homer's Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to the poet Homer, focusing on the events of the Trojan War and the conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon. This foundational text set the stage for Roman epics and influenced later literature, shaping themes of heroism, fate, and the human condition that would resonate throughout history.
Homer's Odyssey: Homer's Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to the poet Homer, narrating the journey of the hero Odysseus as he strives to return home after the Trojan War. This work not only illustrates themes of adventure and heroism but also explores human emotions, morality, and the struggle between fate and free will, influencing Roman epics and later literature.
James Macpherson's Ossian: James Macpherson's Ossian refers to a collection of poems published in the 1760s that Macpherson claimed to have translated from ancient Gaelic sources, purportedly written by the bard Ossian. These works, inspired by the style of Roman epics, stirred interest in romantic nationalism and influenced subsequent literature by emphasizing themes of heroism, nature, and a nostalgic view of a lost past.
Jerusalem Delivered: 'Jerusalem Delivered' is an epic poem by Torquato Tasso that tells the story of the First Crusade and the siege of Jerusalem by Christian knights. This work not only reflects the themes of religious devotion and heroism but also highlights the influence of classical literature, particularly Roman epics, in shaping its narrative structure and character development. The poem combines elements of chivalric romance with historical events, showcasing the cultural and literary intersections between the classical tradition and later epic storytelling.
John Donne: John Donne was a prominent English poet and cleric in the Church of England, known for his innovative and complex poems that blend metaphysical themes with emotional depth. His works often explore love, mortality, and spirituality, establishing him as a key figure in the Metaphysical Poetry movement, which drew inspiration from the Roman epics and other classical literature.
Kalevala: The Kalevala is a 19th-century epic poem compiled by Elias Lönnrot, based on Finnish oral folklore and mythology. It consists of 50 songs that tell the stories of mythical heroes, gods, and the creation of the world, reflecting the cultural identity of Finland and its rich oral tradition. The work has had a profound impact on Finnish literature and has inspired various artistic movements across Europe.
Ludovico Ariosto: Ludovico Ariosto was an influential Italian poet of the Renaissance, best known for his epic poem 'Orlando Furioso.' This work, which builds on themes and structures from earlier Roman epics like Virgil's 'Aeneid,' showcases the blend of chivalric romance and classical poetics, marking a significant moment in the evolution of literature. His writing reflects the revival of interest in classical literature and its impact on contemporary poetic forms.
Luís de camões: Luís de Camões was a prominent Portuguese poet of the 16th century, widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in the Portuguese language. His most notable work, 'Os Lusíadas', is an epic poem that celebrates the history and achievements of Portugal, drawing on classical influences from Roman epics and exploring themes of exploration and national identity. His blend of classical poetics and personal experience made him a pivotal figure in Renaissance literature.
Milton's Paradise Lost: Milton's Paradise Lost is an epic poem written by John Milton, first published in 1667, that explores the biblical story of the Fall of Man, detailing the temptation of Adam and Eve by Satan and their subsequent expulsion from the Garden of Eden. This work is heavily influenced by Roman epics, particularly in its grand style, use of blank verse, and thematic exploration of heroism, free will, and the nature of evil, connecting it to the epic tradition established by poets like Virgil and Homer.
Orlando Furioso: Orlando Furioso is an epic poem written by Ludovico Ariosto, first published in 1516, that expands upon the themes and characters introduced in Matteo Maria Boiardo's Orlando Innamorato. The poem blends chivalric romance, supernatural elements, and classical themes, illustrating the complexities of love, honor, and madness. It showcases the influence of Roman epics by employing narrative techniques and character development reminiscent of works like Virgil's Aeneid and Ovid's Metamorphoses, while also reflecting the Renaissance's embrace of classical antiquity in its poetic forms.
Os lusíadas: Os Lusíadas is an epic poem written by the Portuguese poet Luís de Camões in the 16th century, celebrating the voyages of Vasco da Gama and the Portuguese discoveries. This work blends myth, history, and allegory, reflecting both the grandeur of Portugal's maritime achievements and the influence of classical epics, particularly Roman literature. The poem serves as a significant link between classical traditions and Renaissance literature, showcasing the enduring impact of ancient narratives on later poetic forms.
Ovid: Ovid was a prominent Roman poet known for his influential works, particularly 'Metamorphoses,' which explores themes of transformation and mythology. His writing style and themes have significantly impacted various literary forms, shaping the evolution of epic poetry, lyricism, and elegy in both ancient and later literature.
Quest narrative: A quest narrative is a storytelling framework that involves a hero embarking on an adventurous journey to achieve a specific goal or obtain a significant object, often facing challenges and personal growth along the way. This structure is prevalent in literature, often serving as a way to explore themes such as heroism, sacrifice, and the search for meaning. In Roman epics, this narrative form became influential, shaping later literary works and reinforcing cultural values through its depiction of heroic journeys.
Roman Mythology: Roman mythology refers to the collection of myths and legends that were integral to ancient Roman culture, encompassing a wide array of gods, goddesses, and mythological tales that shaped the Roman worldview. This body of stories influenced Roman epics, including their structure and themes, and continued to resonate in later literature and artistic expressions.
The Aeneid: The Aeneid is an epic poem written by the Roman poet Virgil, composed between 29 and 19 BCE. It tells the legendary story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, and his journey to find a new homeland in Italy after the fall of Troy, establishing the roots of Rome. This work reflects Roman ideals and has become a cornerstone of the Classical tradition, influencing literature and cultural identity throughout history.
The Faerie Queene: The Faerie Queene is an epic poem written by Edmund Spenser, first published in 1590 and expanded in 1596. It is considered one of the greatest works of English literature, incorporating themes of chivalry, virtue, and the moral development of its characters. The poem draws heavily from classical traditions, using allegory and epic conventions that reflect the influence of Roman epics like Virgil's Aeneid and Homer’s Iliad.
Torquato Tasso: Torquato Tasso was an influential Italian poet of the late 16th century, best known for his epic poem 'Gerusalemme Liberata' (Jerusalem Delivered), which is a retelling of the First Crusade. His work marked a significant shift in epic poetry, merging classical influences with the emerging Baroque style, and demonstrating the lasting impact of Roman epics on later literary traditions.
Virgil: Virgil, also known as Publius Vergilius Maro, was a Roman poet of the Augustan period, best known for his epic poem, the Aeneid. His works not only reflect the themes and styles of earlier Greek literature but also significantly shaped Roman identity and literature, establishing him as a major figure in the classical tradition.
Voltaire's La Henriade: Voltaire's La Henriade is an epic poem published in 1723 that reflects on the life of Henry IV of France, celebrating his efforts to promote religious tolerance and unity in a time of sectarian conflict. This work connects to the grand tradition of Roman epics, which often combined historical narrative with moral and political themes, influencing later literature through its blend of narrative style and philosophical reflection.
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Back
Practice QuizGlossary
Practice QuizGlossary
Next guide