JASON GOETZ - DECLINE OF THE EPIC POEM

Jason Goetz, author of The Decline of the Epic? and The Bubble Boys,assesses the role of epic poetry as the most complete intellectual genre throughout history and the conditions for its production and impact.He discusses twelve major Western epics,their respective messages and social critiques, offers an incisive look into their effect on ancient and modern culture.Goetz takes a compelling look at the rise of modern capitalism and economic institutions, political developments in the past seventy-five years, organic civilization theory, the rise of the English language as the worldwide lingua franca, the decline of metaphysics in favor of ideology and modern science, and the devaluation of honor as an ideal towards which we strive both collectively and as individuals.  He connects these to the essential conditions for epic poetry and how it has affected the way we look at the world and act on our views.  Goetz notes the role of education in formulating the essential conditions for epic poetry and takes a look at how in responding to perceived modern needs and concerns it fails to yield the general learning requisite for both the composition and appreciation of these intellectual masterpieces. In so doing Goetz defines the role of the epic poet in society as much more than a dreamer, a political actor on the highest stage a la Dante, Chaucer, and Virgil, and a philosopher with public pretensions.