Final answer:
An epic poem is a long narrative poem that details heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation, demonstrating unity in its structured narrative. Notable examples include Homer's 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey', which showcase ancient Greek virtues and are exemplary of the epic form.
Step-by-step explanation:
An epic poem is a type of narrative poetry that is typically quite lengthy and often derived from ancient oral traditions. These poems are known for narrating the heroic deeds and adventures of legendary figures or heroes. An epic poem is distinct in that it commonly addresses a serious subject and includes details that reflect significant events or values important to a culture or nation. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is c) Long, heroic.
For example, Homer's epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, are prime illustrations of epic poetry. They detail the exploits and trials of ancient Greek heroes, offering insight into the culture's virtues and moral values, such as arete (the Greek concept of excellence). Epic poetry presents a unified narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and often features traditional components like Reversals of the Situation, Recognitions, and Scenes of Suffering, similar to the structures found in tragedy.