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Leaving Cert Classical Studies: Epic techniques & poetic devices

How often Epic techniques & poetic devices comes up on the Classical Studies papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 3 of the last 3 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

Epic techniques & poetic devices, Higher Level(6 marks)

Quick ones on Epic techniques & poetic devices.

(a)In what metre are the Odyssey and the Aeneid composed?

(b)'Rosy-fingered Dawn' is an example of which device?

(c)What is it called when an epic begins in the middle of the action?

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(a) Dactylic hexameter

(b) Stock epithet

(c) In medias res

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Epic techniques & poetic devices.

Higher Level

Asked on 3 of the last 3 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

Epic techniques & poetic devices, 3 marks

In the Aeneid's opening, what does Virgil ask the Muse to explain?

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The causes of Juno's anger

Virgil invokes the Muse to tell why the queen of the gods hounded a man famous for pietas. It sets up divine anger as the force behind the plot.

Epic techniques & poetic devices, 2 marks

Dido's dying curse on Aeneas' descendants is an example of which device?

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Foreshadowing

Her call for an avenger points to Hannibal and the Punic Wars. The Roman audience knew the history, so the curse links myth to real events.