Pindaric Odes, Generic Features
Original impression of the genre (see Cowley, Dennis)
Wild
Originally in Greek
Irregular form, or formless*
Bold metaphors
Full of digressions
Huge, leaping transitions from topic to topic
Impetuous (energetic, driving feel)
Full of allusions or direct references to myths
Long
Although shorter than epic, shares much of the expansive reach through culture of the epic
Public
Declamatory
Often political and/or religious subjects (triumphs of kings)
Often panegyrical, praising the subject