Epic and/or Alternative Verse

Epics are typically long, exalted narrative poem, usually on a serious subject, centered on a heroic figure.

+ Beowulf*
The poem essentially consists of three parts. There are three central conflicts: Grendel’s domination of Heorot Hall; the vengeance of Grendel’s mother after Grendel is slain; and the rage of the dragon after a thief steals a treasure that it has been guarding. The poem’s overarching conflict is between close-knit warrior societies and the various menaces that threaten their boundaries.

+ The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
An Oklahoma farm family struggling from the drought during the depression journies across trhe country towards brighter hopes promised in California.

+ The Iliad, Homer
As Robert Jordan and a small band of guerrilla fighters prepare to blow up a bridge with their limited resources and manpower, Robert Jordan and Pablo struggle for authority over the small band of guerrillas. Meanwhile, Robert Jordan and Maria cope with the pitfalls of falling in love during wartime.

+ Tom Jones, Henry Fielding
The English battle the French and their Indian allies; Uncas helps his English friends resist Magua and the Hurons.

+ Inferno, Dante
Dante attempts to find God in his life, while those sentenced to punishment in Hell hinder him from the true path.

+ Moby Dick, Herman Melville
A story of an obsessed captain and his crew as they chase an ellusive force of nature at all costs to a seemlyinge cursed fate. It is told through the perspective of a first time deckhand, focusing on the captain, his mates and harpooners. Incredibly detailed insight on the dated buisness of whaling.

+ The Woman Warrior, Maxine Hong Kingston
The role of women in traditional Chinese society; silence and voice; growing up Chinese-American; the individual vs. the community; writing and speaking as triumph

+ The Odyssey, Homer
Odysseus must return home and vanquish the suitors who threaten his estate; Telemachus must mature and secure his own reputation in Greek society.

+ Les Misérables, Victor Hugo
Valjean struggles to transform himself from a thief into an honest man; over the years he struggles to stay a step ahead of the zealous police officer Javert and tries to raise his adopted daughter, Cosette.