Meaning: This quote, "The first epics were intended for recitation; the literary epic is meant to be read," highlights the evolution of epic poetry from its oral tradition to a written form. It underscores the shift in the way epic poems were originally composed, transmitted, and experienced, and how that changed with the development of literary culture. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical context of epic poetry, the transition from oral to written traditions, and the impact of this evolution on the way epic poems are consumed and appreciated.

The origins of epic poetry can be traced back to ancient civilizations where storytelling was primarily an oral tradition. Epic poems such as the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey" attributed to Homer in ancient Greece, and the "Mahabharata" and the "Ramayana" in ancient India were composed and recited by bards and poets in the form of oral narratives. These epics were not originally written down but were instead passed down through generations via oral recitation, often accompanied by musical accompaniment.

The act of reciting epic poetry was a communal and performative experience, often taking place in public gatherings, feasts, and religious ceremonies. The recitation of these epic poems served not only as a form of entertainment but also as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural, religious, and historical knowledge from one generation to another. The oral tradition allowed for flexibility and improvisation in the retelling of the epics, enabling the bards to adapt the narrative to suit the audience and the occasion.

As societies evolved and writing systems developed, there emerged a shift from oral transmission to written preservation of epic poetry. The transition from orality to literacy brought about significant changes in the way epic poems were created, disseminated, and consumed. With the advent of writing, epic poems could be recorded and preserved in a fixed form, allowing for greater accuracy and stability in their transmission.

The quote emphasizes the distinction between the early oral epics and the literary epics that followed. The oral epics, intended for recitation, were shaped by the performative and communal aspects of oral tradition, while the literary epics, meant to be read, were influenced by the conventions of written literature. The shift from oral to written transmission fundamentally altered the experience of epic poetry, transforming it from a live, dynamic performance to a solitary, introspective act of reading.

In the context of the literary epic, the reader engages with the text in a more private and individualized manner, free from the influence of live performance and improvisation. The written form of the literary epic allows for close scrutiny of the language, structure, and themes, enabling readers to study and interpret the epic at their own pace and in their own space. This transition from orality to literacy also facilitated the preservation and dissemination of epic poems across different cultures and time periods, contributing to their enduring legacy and influence on world literature.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the impact of technological and cultural advancements on the transmission and reception of epic poetry. The transition from oral recitation to written text was a significant milestone in the history of literature, marking a shift in the way stories were told and preserved. The written form provided a level of permanence and accessibility that transcended the limitations of oral tradition, allowing epic poems to reach wider audiences and endure through the ages.

In conclusion, the quote "The first epics were intended for recitation; the literary epic is meant to be read" encapsulates the transformative journey of epic poetry from its oral origins to its written form. It highlights the evolution of storytelling, the impact of orality and literacy on the transmission of cultural heritage, and the changing dynamics of audience engagement with epic poems. This transition from orality to literacy not only changed the way epic poetry was experienced but also contributed to its enduring significance in the world of literature.