Often these a number of different epithets are used for the same character. These epithets will always be explained by the footnotes. This is an example of hypallage or transferred epithet. An epithet is a descriptive word or phrase. 2 Actually Homer does the same thing.
Long similes are another important characteristic of the epic style.
Another characteristic of Statius' epic style is his fondness for describing works of art. This device, called ecphrasis , is not peculiar to Statius but a part of the epic tradition. The first example of it is in Homer's Iliad when he describes the scenes depicted on Achilles' shield. There are many examples in Statius, who tends to overuse this device. On the opposite shore, however, in a very high tower sits the Sestian girl, anxiously looking for him in vain.