1.1
Definition and characteristics of epic poetry
1.2
Historical development of the epic genre
1.3
Key elements and conventions of epic poetry
1.4
Significance of epic poetry in ancient cultures
2.1
Bronze Age Greece and the Mycenaean civilization
2.2
The Dark Ages and the emergence of the polis
2.3
Archaic Greece: social, political, and cultural developments
3.1
The question of Homeric authorship
3.2
Techniques and features of oral composition
3.3
The role of bards and rhapsodes in ancient Greek society
3.4
Transition from oral to written tradition
4.1
The Trojan War: myth and historical context
4.2
Structure and narrative techniques of the Iliad
4.3
Major characters and their roles
4.4
Language and poetic devices in the Iliad
5.1
The concept of kleos (glory) in ancient Greek culture
5.2
Honor and shame in the heroic code
5.3
The role of fate and divine will in human affairs
6.1
Achilles as the central hero: character analysis
6.2
The wrath of Achilles and its consequences
6.3
Evolving concept of heroism throughout the epic
7.1
The Olympian gods and their involvement in human affairs
7.2
Divine favoritism and its impact on mortal characters
7.3
The relationship between gods and humans in the Iliad
8.1
The Trojan War aftermath and Odysseus's journey
8.2
Structure and narrative techniques of the Odyssey
8.3
8.4
Language and poetic devices in the Odyssey
9.1
Odysseus as a complex hero: character analysis
9.2
The concept of nostos (homecoming) in the epic
9.3
Challenges and transformations in Odysseus's journey
10.1
The quest for identity and self-discovery
10.2
Loyalty and betrayal in relationships
10.3
The significance of home and family in Greek culture
11.1
The founding of Rome and early Roman history
11.2
The Roman Republic: social, political, and cultural aspects
11.3
Transition to the Roman Empire and the Augustan Age
12.1
Virgil's life and literary career
12.2
Influences on Virgil: Greek and Roman predecessors
12.3
The development of Latin epic poetry
13.1
The myth of Aeneas and Rome's founding
13.2
Structure and narrative techniques of the Aeneid
13.3
13.4
Language and poetic devices in the Aeneid
14.1
Aeneas as the ideal Roman: character analysis
14.2
Pietas and Roman values in the Aeneid
14.3
Comparison of Aeneas with Homeric heroes
15.1
The concept of fatum (fate) in Roman thought
15.2
Personal sacrifice for the greater good
15.3
The foundation of Rome and imperial ideology
16.1
The role of gods in the Aeneid
16.2
Fate versus free will in Virgil's epic
16.3
Divine machinery and its political implications
17.1
Similarities and differences in epic structure and style
17.2
Treatment of heroism and cultural values
17.3
The role of the supernatural in Greek and Roman epics
17.4
Narrative techniques and character development
18.1
Influence on subsequent literary genres and works
18.2
Adaptations and reinterpretations of classical epics
18.3
Relevance of epic themes in modern literature and culture