Read the text and answer the following question. In ancient literature, the genre which most closely approximates the novel is the epic. Works such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey as well as Virgil’s Aeneid, though poetry, are long narratives centered around certain key events and characters with heroic or cowardly actions that determine, not only their own fates, but also those of the nations which they led. The novel carries this tradition on, but in a reduced scope. The novel is much more localized, centering on characters in local settings, whose actions affect themselves and perhaps a few members of their local community. What is the main idea in the text? Epic poems are greater in scope than novels. Epic poetry was a precursor to the novel. Epic poetry is poetry; novels are prose.

• MsLit: Epic poetry was a precursor to the novel.
  
  This passage shows the similarities and some differences between epic poetry and the novel, showing how the novel changed and was adapted slightly from the foundation that the tradition of epic poetry had set. This shows that epic poetry was a precursor and inspiration for the novel. 
• chaplinway:

  Answer:

  The main idea in the text is that Epic poetry was a precursor to the novel.

  Explanation:

  This excerpt gives a clear and concise description of the main characteristics of each kind of style, it is also expressed that the epic poetry has several elements in common with the modern novel, with a difference in the scope of the way the decisions of the characters affect others apart from themselves, being the novel more focused in the characters.