This question is based on General Literacy Principles An example of a narrative poem is ________?

Analyze the question: We need the option that is a narrative poem, meaning a poem that tells a story with characters, a plot, and events.

Explain the concept: Poetry is commonly grouped into three broad types:

• Narrative poetry tells a story. Examples are the epic, ballad, and metrical romance.
• Lyrical poetry expresses personal feelings or thoughts. Examples are the sonnet, ode, elegy, and dirge.
• Dramatic poetry uses speech or monologue to reveal character.

Solution, checking each option:

• A. Elegy: a reflective poem of mourning for the dead. It is lyrical, not narrative.
• B. Epic: a long poem that recounts the heroic deeds of a legendary or historical hero in a continuous story. Examples are Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, and the Sundiata epic from Mali. It is narrative.
• C. Dirge: a short song or poem of lament sung at a funeral. It is lyrical.
• D. Sonnet: a 14-line lyrical poem on a single thought or emotion. It is not narrative.

Answer: The epic is the narrative poem, so the correct option is B.

Tip: Remember "Epic = Events." If a poem tells a long story of a hero's adventures, it is narrative. If it expresses feeling (mourning, love, praise), it is lyrical. Elegy, dirge, sonnet, and ode all belong to the lyrical group.