The Power of Poetry: Epic vs. Lyric

What is the key difference between epic poetry and lyric poetry?

A. Epic poetry tends to be long, whereas lyric poetry tends to be short.

Answer:

A. Epic poetry tends to be long, whereas lyric poetry tends to be short.

Explanation:

The most accurate comparison between epic poetry and lyric poetry is option A: Epic poetry tends to be long, whereas lyric poetry tends to be short. Epic poetry, such as Homer's 'Odyssey', typically tells extended stories about heroes or historic events. These works can span thousands of lines and are often divided into multiple books or chapters. In contrast, lyric poetry, like that by Emily Dickinson or William Blake, is typically much shorter, often expressing personal emotions, thoughts or feelings, and is designed to be set to music.