What literary term is used to refer to the expressive quality of an epic narrative?

The term that refers to the expressive quality of an epic narrative is "epic." An epic is a lengthy, often narrative work that deals with heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. The expressive quality of an epic stems from its grand themes, elevated style, and the exploration of universal concepts such as heroism, morality, and the struggle between good and evil. By focusing on key characters and their journeys, epic narratives aim to evoke strong emotions and convey deeper meanings about the human experience. This literary form often incorporates rich imagery, allegory, and symbolism, allowing readers to connect with the narrative on multiple levels.

In contrast, the other terms do not specifically pertain to the characteristics of epic narratives. A legend typically relates to traditional stories that may involve historical figures or events. A fable is a brief story that imparts a moral lesson, often featuring animals as characters. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or religious lesson, usually featuring human characters. Each of these forms serves a different purpose and does not capture the expansive, rich nature of an epic.