: Epic Movie Research

Although the epic is really an ancient form of literature, every generation adapts the genre to its own purposes. Some elements are dropped and other are mixed in. Each of the movies listed below has some epic qualities Your job for this short project is:

  • Research the qualities of an epic, beyond what we have discussed in class, write a paragraph describing an epic.
  • Watch one of the following movies.
  • Take notes on the ways in which it fits the definition of an epic. Be sure to have direct quotes and/or concrete details from the film to support your observations.
  • Be prepared to answer an essay question on the film.
  1. Braveheart
  2. Dragon heart
  3. Gladiator
  4. Glory
  5. The Godfather
  6. Gone with the Wind
  7. Lord of the Rings
  8. Rob Roy
  9. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
  10. Saving Private Ryan
  11. Spartacus
  12. Star Wars
  13. The Ten Commandments

For the 50 extra credit points, you will need to come to Overtime for a timed essay relating your movie to the epic and to turn in your notes with that essay.

*Activity from Mark Ball

Updated 10 July 2006.

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