In Selection 1, the structural characteristic of epics that is most clearly present is the invocation to the Muse, which functions to provide inspiration and authority for the poet to tell the story of Achilles and signal to the audience the seriousness and grandeur of the epic.
The structural characteristic of epics most clearly present in Selection 1 refers to the function of the invocation to the Muse. In traditional epics, one of the key features is an invocation to the muse, which is often seen as a plea for inspiration and guidance in telling the story.
This invocation usually appears at the beginning of the epic to set the scene and announce the main themes or characters, such as Achilles in Homer's Iliad. The purpose of this device is to connect the poet with the divine inspiration necessary for recounting a grand and complex story and to signal to the audience the epic nature of the tale they are about to hear.
The invocation is not only a formal introduction but also serves to give the epic a sense of gravitas and authority, as the Muse's guidance is sought to ensure the story's accuracy and to convey its importance. For example, in the case of Achilles, the invocation sets the stage for the exploration of themes like heroism, honor, and the interplay between human actions and divine intervention.