The great epics sang of war, the novel of marriage.
The quote reflects a distinction between the themes typically explored in epic poetry and those in the modern novel, particularly highlighting a shift in narrative focus. While great epics often glorify the grandeur and chaos of war, the novel, especially in the context of "The Marriage Plot," gravitates towards more personal and intimate experiences, such as marriage. This marks a change in storytelling from the collective to the individual, emphasizing relationships...