This article applies the characteristics of the epic to The Prelude to prove that the poem is

in the literary genre of an epic.

1. Must represent a society or an era
Wordsworth fulfills this requirement of the epic as his boyhood home of Hawkshead, with its
pastoral setting, and Cambridge, with its scholarly atmosphere, was accurately mirrored in the
books of The Prelude. Along with events and morale of the people during and after the French
revolution. Just as Virgil portrayed the civilization of his time, the Roman Empire, in the Aeneld,
Wordsworth relates his life in I8th century England.
2. An epic must be concerned with a powerful theme of scope and length.
He wanted to surpass themes dealing with one great adventure or one particular hero, so he
sought out to portray man’s “inner” feelings and how Nature can beneficial for our growth. Thus,
The Prelude expands to the scope of an epic like Milton's Paradise Lost, which relates the story of
not Just one man, Adam, but of the Fall of every man from grace to sin.
3. The use of supernatural machinery is another characteristic of the epic poem.
An epics usually employs ancient gods of Greek mythology as supernatural machinery. Whereas,
Wordsworth observes this tradition of the epic portraying Nature and books as guiding forces
which aid the hero toward his poetic goal. For example, the beneficent facet of Nature's power aids
the hero in her perilous Journey as Zeus aided Aeneas in the Aeneld.
4. Every epic must have a Hero like figure.
The poet, himself fulfils this role as he goes to battle with his conscience to discover his purpose in
life as a poet. He seeks to attain this goal amidst the temptations of society and the
disappointments of life.
5. Christian Epic
The prelude is also said to have followed the tradition of a Christian epic as it portrays man's brief
visitation on earth and nature, as the beneficent power of god.
6. Allegorical dream
It represents a dream or a vision which symbolizes the hero’s journey ahead. For example, allegory
in Piers Plowman with the dream like vision of the world and the three levels of spiritual states. In
Book V of The Prelude, the poet dreams about a stone and a shell, forecasting his pending doom.
Vocabulary and lofty style
In The Prelude, Wordsworth uses techniques of his predecessors to produce an epic style greatly
inspired by the Romantic ideals. The use of epic similes is found its passages describing the beauty
of Nature. The poet also uses epic vocabulary, referencing to Greek terms familiar to the Homeric
epic, such as "priestly robe" (1. 52), “holy services," (1. 53), and "Aeolian visitations."
7. Choosing to use blank verse
Wordsworth, just like Milton in “The Paradise Lost”, applied blank verse to his autobiographical
epic as he teaches the law of love for humanity to all men through Nature and poetry.
Summary:
In the article “The epic characteristics in The Prelude” by Cathryn Callahan, she tries to clarify the
close comparison between The Prelude and the literary genre of the epic. The writer discloses many
of the epic characteristics in The Prelude which adds Wordsworth to the ranks of the great epic
tradition with Homer, Virgil, Luean, Camoens, and Milton.
Firstly, the writer discusses the distinction between the various types of the epic and a brief history
of its stages of growth. According to Callahan, “The epic of each age reflected the prevailing social
attitudes, and the epic poet became the spokesman of his time.” The poetic forms of Homer, Virgil,
Milton and many more produced definite characteristics by which a poem can be judged as an epic.
Wordsworth, relying on those epic tradition and decided to convey his autobiography in epic form.
Secondly, Wordsworth’s reasons to recapture the story of his personal struggle of the development
from childhood to manhood is discussed. Wordsworth's philosophy of life with Nature which he
portrays as the molding Influence of his life and its effect on three stages of development:
childhood, youth, and maturity is also the main theme of this chapter.
Finally, the writer studies the poetic form of the ‘The Prelude’ that fulfils the requirements of an
epic poem. For example according to the Callahan, Wordsworth fulfills a major requirement of the
epic, as it reflects a specific society in an era of history. In addition to that, his epic is concerned
with a powerful theme of relationship of a man’s inner feeling with Nature.
The purpose of previous epic poets was to glorify their courageous national heroes, while
Wordsworth talks about the problem of man's inhumanity to man. Thus Wordsworth elevated the
epic to new heights with his valuable and timeless message for all men.