One characteristic is that they can mix different emotions. They are funny but can also have elements of drama or sadness in between the humor. In 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', there are parts that are quite solemn and spooky, but then there are also the humorous parts. Another aspect is that they often have a rhythm that aids in the storytelling. The rhyme and rhythm keep the story flowing and also add to the comical effect. For instance, in 'Casey at the Bat', the rhythm builds up the anticipation for Casey's turn and then the humor of the final outcome.
Well, they often have vivid characters. Just like in 'The Hunting of the Snark', the Snark itself is a very mysterious and funny character concept. And there are all these other odd characters on the hunt. Another characteristic is unexpected plot twists. In 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', you don't expect all the strange things that happen after the mariner shoots the albatross. Also, wordplay is common. In many such poems, the poets play with words to create humor. For example, using puns or creating new words that add to the comical effect of the story.
They usually contain unexpected twists and turns. For example, in 'The Raven', the repeated appearance of the raven and its single word response 'Nevermore' is quite unexpected and adds to the darkly humorous nature of the story. The element of surprise keeps the reader engaged and amused throughout the long poem.
Long poems that tell a story often have complex characters. Since they have more space to develop, the characters can be multi - dimensional. For example, in 'The Divine Comedy', Dante encounters various figures in Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, each with their own backstories and personalities. Another characteristic is the elaborate plot. These poems can cover a wide range of events and time periods, like in 'The Odyssey' which spans Odysseus' many years of wandering.
A good long poems story often has rich imagery. For example, in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', the detailed descriptions of the sea and the strange events create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. It also usually has a strong narrative arc, like in 'Paradise Lost' where the story of the fall of man unfolds in a very structured way.
One characteristic is a complex plot. Since they are long, they can develop a story with many twists and turns, like in 'The Odyssey' where Odysseus faces numerous challenges on his journey home. Another is the use of vivid characters. These poems often have well - developed characters that drive the story forward. For example, Beowulf in 'Beowulf' is a very strong and heroic character. Also, they usually have a strong sense of setting. In 'The Divine Comedy', Dante describes the different levels of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven in great detail, which helps to set the mood and context of the story.
They often have unexpected twists. For example, in a story - telling funny poem, the hero might not do what you expect, like instead of slaying the dragon in a heroic way, he befriends it in a really silly way. This surprise makes it funny.
Long narrative poems that tell a story often have complex characters. For example, in 'The Iliad', Achilles is a multi - faceted character with his pride and his sense of honor. They also have a clear plot structure. Like in 'The Odyssey', Odysseus' journey has a beginning, middle and end. And they usually use vivid language to describe the settings, such as the war - torn Troy in 'The Iliad' or the magical islands in 'The Odyssey'.
One example is 'The Hunting of the Snark' by Lewis Carroll. It's a long and humorous poem filled with absurd characters and a strange adventure. The characters embark on a quest to find the Snark, and throughout the journey, all kinds of comical situations unfold.
Another great one is 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It's a long narrative poem that has elements of the supernatural and is also quite humorous in parts. The mariner's tale of his misadventures at sea, from shooting the albatross to his various trials and tribulations, is both engaging and funny in a dark, ironic way. It's a classic that tells a story with a moral undertone as well.
In the search results provided, there was no mention of ancient poems. Therefore, I don't know what a long poem of ancient poetry is.