Final answer:
Epic poetry typically consists of two parts, with the first detailing the destiny of the hero and the second elaborating on the hero's journey to fulfill that destiny. Homer's epics, 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey', serve as prime examples of epic poetry, displaying both simplicity and complexity, along with ethical and pathetic dimensions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the structure of epic poetry, specifically how epics are typically divided into two parts. The first part usually deals with the destiny of the hero, while the second part explores the fulfillment of this destiny. Using Homer's epics as examples, we can see that The Iliad is considered both simple and “pathetic” as it combines elements of plain storytelling with scenes that evoke emotion and involve suffering, while The Odyssey is noted for its complexity and “ethical” elements, providing recognition scenes throughout its narrative.
These epics are expansive, with the potential for simultaneous events that add mass and grandeur. Unlike a tragedy, which is meant to be seen in a single sitting, an epic poem can encompass a broad spectrum of plots and characters, illustrating a hero's struggle against both personal limitations and external forces, including nature, fate, and the divine.
The structure of epic poetry, while similar to tragedy in utilizing reversals of situation and recognitions, differs in that the length and breadth of the narrative allow for multiple tragedies to be drawn from a single epic story. The poet must balance the grand scale while maintaining unity and relevance in the episodes presented, enriching the poem without diluting its core narrative.