Q. What is a mock epic? Explain through examples.
Mock Epic
A mock epic, also known as a mock heroic poem, is a satire that uses the grand style of an epic to tell a story about a trivial subject. It applies the grand style and conventions of classical epic poetry to trivial or unimportant subjects.
This approach exaggerates minor events by treating them with the seriousness and elevated language of an epic, creating a humorous contrast.
Mock epics mimic the grandeur of epic poetry, such as the works of Homer and Virgil. However, they apply it to insignificant events or characters.
Origin of the Term
The term “mock epic” was first popularized in the 18th century. Poets used it to combine the high language of epics with subjects that would usually be considered unworthy of such attention.
This technique allowed poets to mock certain aspects of society, behaviour, or attitudes. Alexander Pope is one of the most famous writers in the mock epic form. His work helped to establish and popularize it.
Mock epics are “double-edged” in their satirical nature. During the Neoclassical period, writers used them to mock the modern age’s lack of heroic qualities by treating insignificant events as epics.
For example, some modern writers used the mock epic form to mock classical ideals. Traditionalists, however, often used it to criticize contemporary society by showing how unheroic modern events were in comparison to ancient tales.
Examples of Mock Epics
Le Lutrin (1674)
Le Lutrin is an early example of the mock-epic form by French poet Nicolas Boileau. It humorously critiques minor conflicts in the church.
The poem begins with a small disagreement between two church officials over where to place a podium. This trivial issue soon turns into a grand battle in a bookstore.
Supporters of each side throw books by their favourite “ancient” or “modern” authors. Boileau uses this approach to highlight the silliness of some scholarly debates.
Mac Flecknoe (1678)
Another well-known example is Mac Flecknoe by John Dryden. Dryden’s poem satirizes the poet Thomas Shadwell by presenting him as the successor to the throne of dullness.
Dryden uses the grand style of epic poetry to mock Shadwell’s lack of talent. He describes his rise to power in the “kingdom” of mediocrity. Like The Rape of the Lock, Dryden’s poem uses the mock epic form to exaggerate a minor or humorous topic.
The Battle of the Books (1704)
Jonathan Swift’s The Battle of the Books is a satirical work written in mock-heroic prose. It tells the story of a battle in a library between books by ancient writers like Homer and modern authors.
Swift uses this form to represent his time’s “ancients vs. moderns” debate. Each side argues for superiority in literature and knowledge, making the intellectual rivalry amusing.
The Rape of the Lock (1712–14)
Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock is one of the most famous English mock epics. The poem describes a minor incident where a young man cuts a lock of hair from a young woman.
Pope dramatizes this small social event using the grand language and structure of an epic, adding supernatural beings. The poem pokes fun at the superficial concerns of high society by treating them as if they were serious heroic struggles.
Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat, Drowned in a Tub of Gold Fishes (1748)
Thomas Gray’s poem humorously laments the accidental drowning of a friend’s cat, treating it with the seriousness of an epic tragedy. Gray’s grand language and structure make the cat’s curiosity and playful actions seem almost heroic. This mock-epic approach adds humour by making a slight, everyday mishap appear overly important.
The Hasty Pudding (1793)
Joel Barlow’s The Hasty Pudding celebrates a simple New England dish with a grand poetic style. The poem is written in three long sections, praising cornmeal pudding as a noble subject.
Barlow uses the mock epic form to give this humble dish a sense of pride and importance. The playful tone adds humour by elevating ordinary food to heroic status.
The Anniad (1950)
In The Anniad, Gwendolyn Brooks tells the story of a young Black woman named Annie Allen. Brooks uses the mock-epic style to turn Annie’s everyday struggles into heroic challenges.
The poem humorously emphasizes Annie’s battles with society’s expectations and her journey of self-discovery. By treating daily experiences with a grand tone, Brooks presents a powerful view of identity and self-worth.
Purpose and Impact
The purpose of a mock epic is often to criticize or ridicule certain behaviours, social norms, or individuals. By treating trivial subjects with epic seriousness, writers highlight the absurdity or pettiness of their targets.
Mock epics can also reveal society’s exaggerated values, making readers question the importance of certain customs or ideals.
Characteristics of Mock Epics
1- Elevated Language
Mock epics use formal, grand language, even for trivial events. This contrast between serious language and minor topics creates humour by making small actions seem overly significant.
2- Heroic Characters with Minor Goals
Characters in mock epics act with exaggerated heroism over small matters. They often resemble traditional heroes, but their “heroic” acts are humorous because they focus on petty concerns.
3- Invocation to the Muse
Like classical epics, mock epics may open with an invocation to a muse. This formal introduction gives a grand start to a story focusing on trivial events, adding to the irony.
4- Supernatural Elements
Mock epics often include supernatural beings like spirits or gods intervening in mundane conflicts. These beings are typically exaggerated or powerless, highlighting the unimportance of the events.
5- Extended Similes
Mock epics contain elaborate similes and long descriptions, treating small actions with epic detail. This feature heightens the humour by stretching out moments that are, in reality, unimportant.
6- Epic Battles or Quests
Even simple events are portrayed as epic “battles” or “quests.” These exaggerated portrayals add humour, turning routine tasks or minor arguments into epic struggles.
7- Moral Lesson
Some mock epics end with moral lessons, often presented with irony. They mimic the epic’s serious conclusions, using humour to mock or critique social values or norms.
