Question

Given below are two statements: Assertion (A): An epic is a long verse narrative on a comic subject, told in an informal style. Reason (R): An epic is a long verse narrative on a serious subject, told in a formal and elevated style. Choose the most appropriate answer.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

An epic is serious and elevated in style; mock-epic uses epic style for comic or trivial subjects.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1 : Understanding the Question:
This question contains an Assertion (A) and a Reason (R) regarding the literary definition, subject matter, and stylistic conventions of an epic poem. We need to evaluate the validity of both claims.

Step 2 : Key Formulas and Approach:
The conceptual approach involves defining the genre characteristics of the classical epic. We evaluate whether the epic uses a comic or serious subject, and if its style is formal or informal, and then use these parameters to judge the correctness of the assertion and reason.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
$\bullet$ An epic is historically defined as a grand, long narrative poem that traces the heroic exploits of legendary characters or covers cosmic battles of great cultural significance.
$\bullet$ Assertion (A) states that an epic is a long verse narrative on a comic subject, told in an informal style. This is incorrect; this description contradicts the primary requirements of the traditional epic genre. A comic narrative mimicking epic conventions is known as a mock-epic.
$\bullet$ Reason (R) states that an epic is a long verse narrative on a serious subject, told in a formal and elevated style. This is correct and aligns perfectly with classical models like Homer's Iliad or John Milton's Paradise Lost.
$\bullet$ Since the assertion is entirely incorrect while the reason is a structurally and historically correct definition of the epic, we conclude that (A) is false and (R) is true.

Step 4 : Final Answer:
Therefore, (A) is not correct but (R) is correct, pointing to option (D) as the correct choice.
The correct option is (D) (A) is not correct but (R) is correct.