Question

One of the main elements of an epic poem is an extended metaphor. which of the following characterizes an extended metaphor? 1.)an extended comparison 2.)an extended story that begins in the middle 3.) an extended call for divine aid

Answer 1

One of the main elements of an epic poem is an extended metaphor. The answer which characterizes an extended metaphor is 1. an extended comparison.
A metaphor is also known as shortened comparison, so an extended metaphor is an extended comparison.

Answer 2

The correct answer is 1. an extended comparison.

A metaphor is a type of comparison - when you are symbolically comparing two or more things (without using words such as like or as), you are using a metaphor. If you extend that metaphor into several lines or stanzas within a poem, then you are using an extended metaphor, which commonly appears in epic poems such as The Odyssey or The Iliad.