Which of the following most distinguishes an epic from a mock epic?

Question

anonymous · Answer

A. its subject matter
	
	B. its style
	
	C. its vocabulary
	
	D. its length

I said B but it was wrong

nikolas · Answer

B is a tempting choice, but keep in mind that both will share the "epic" style - majestic descriptions, lots of action, "invocation of the muse," heroic (and anti-heroic) characters.... but the subject matter will naturally be different. For example, compare Beowulf or Homer's Iliad with Alexander Pope's "Rape of the Lock." All written in a similar style but the content of Pope's poem is much more "silly" than a tale of a terrible beast wreaking havoc in Scandinavia.

anonymous · Answer

A. Its subject matter

anonymous · Answer

A. its subject matter