Genre Studies- Unit- IV Mock Epic or Mock Heroic epic

 

Mock Epic or Mock Heroic epic

Introduction

            Mock epic is also known as Mock heroic epic. It is a type of poem written in the epic style but aims to ridicule at the follies or vices of the society. Mock epics are full of satire. This kind of poetry became popular during the Neo- classical age of Alexander Pope.

            Mock epic is a long narrative poem written in mock-heroic style, intended to be humorous. It is a parody of the epic style in which trivial subjects are treated seriously.

Features

v  Invocation in epic tradition.

v  Elaborate description of battles, warriors and their weapons.

v  Use of supernatural elements.

v  Long speeches.

v  Use of grand and exalted style of the serious epic.

v  Use of epic or Homeric similes or elaborate comparisons.

v  Division of the work into books and cantos.

History of mock epic

            Mock epic flourished and developed in England during the late 17^th and 18^th century Neo-classical period as a reaction against the traditional epic poetry. This form of literature was used by the Neo-classical poets to expose the follies and vices of the contemporary English society.

            John Dryden is one of the earliest poets to popularize this genre with his “Mac Flecknoe”. This poem is a direct attack on Thomas Shadwell, a contemporary of Dryden.

            Alexander pope is considered as the greatest exponent of the mock epic during the 18^th century. His “The Rape of the Lock” is deemed to be the finest example of mock epic in English Literature. The poem presents the story of the stealing of a lock of hair of a pretty young lady that resembles the kidnapping of Helen of Troy portrayed in “The Iliad”.

            The “Dunciad” is another famous mock-epic by pope having many qualities of an epic.

Conclusion

            In this way, we may sum up by saying that mock Heroic epic is a type of poem which imitates the style and features of epic poem but aims at laughing at the society. Full of satire and irony, mock epics were popular during the 18^th Century in English literature.