Final answer:
An epic poem is a narrative that provides a historical account of a place, its leaders, and people, using characters and deeds to reflect broader cultural values and practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of poem that historically accounts for England, its king, and the people during a particular time is known as an epic poem. An epic is a lengthy narrative poem that often stems from ancient oral tradition, recounting the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures, such as the works of Homer – The Iliad and The Odyssey. These poems not only tell stories of individual heroes but also provide a broader commentary on the society's values, beliefs, and practices. For example, Homer's epics delve into the concept of arete, a vital Greek virtue, illustrating a deep-seated moral culture that informs the historical time. In contrast, an elegy is a lament for the dead, expressing grief and mourning, and highlighting the individual's virtues, as in 'Elegy for Wilt the Stilt' by William Heyen or 'Lycidas' by John Milton, which commemorates a member of a prominent family. Additionally, satire is a genre that critically examines society and human behavior, often using humor, irony, and exaggeration, while a lyric poem is typically shorter, expressing personal thoughts and feelings.