Beowulf Essay Topics

1. Scops. What is the role of scops in Beowulf? Do they have any influence on the plot? What elements in the story are best performed, and what does this reveal about the legend’s importance to Anglo-Saxon society? 2. Religion in Beowulf-Pagan references. What Pagan religious traditions are evident in Beowulf, and how do they affect the poem? 3. The influence of Christianity in Beowulf. Some scholars believe that Beowulf was written by a Christian monk who added Christian elements to the story. How do these elements affect the poem? 4. The role of Women in Beowulf. Examine the female characters in Beowulf. Do women play an important role in the poem? Is this consistent with their roles in Anglo-Saxon society? 5. Numerology. We see the repetition of several numbers in Beowulf. What significance does this have in the poem? 6. Monsters of Beowulf. Consider the qualities of the three monsters. Why does the poet give Grendel and his mother human qualities? What do each of their homes say about them as foes for Beowulf? 7. Good vs. Evil. How are the concepts of good and evil presented in Beowulf? Does this reveal anything about Anglo-Saxon society? 8. Common plot elements of an epic poem. There are several common conventions associated with Beowulf as an epic poem. Are these conventions common in other epic poems? 9. Mortality. What role does the concept of mortality play in Beowulf? 10. The belief of fate in Beowulf. How much of the plot depends individual choice and how much depends on fate? Does Beowulf control his own actions through choice, or is he driven by something out of his control? 11. Characteristics of an epic hero. Epic heroes have many common characteristics. How do Beowulf’s heroic qualities affect the story? Look at Beowulf in terms of the heroic quest. Does he undergo change? 12. Jesus vs. Beowulf. Look at Beowulf as a sort of Christ figure. What are the similarities? How are they both heroic in nature? 13. Literary devices in Beowulf: a) alliteration b) kennings c) symbolism d) metaphors How/what do they add to the story? 14. Religious symbolism. Take a look at the religious symbolism, especially in battle scenes. What does this reveal about the role of religion? 15. Anglo-Saxon traditions. How do Anglo-Saxon traditions affect the events of the poem? Are they accurate or invented and exaggerated as many scholars believe? 16. Boasting and fame in Beowulf. How does Beowulf’s quest for fame and rewards conflict with the Christian ideals of pride and eternal reward? 17. Battles with monsters. In Beowulf’s three fights with three monsters he uses different methods, techniques, and weapons, and he wins different “trophies” each time. Analyze these differences and explain what this says about his development as a hero. 18. Modern themes. Look for themes in Beowulf that have connection to our society and to modern humanity. Does this ancient literature have any common themes that we can learn from? 19. What role does the mead hall play in “Beowulf” and Anglo-Saxon society? Research the origins and influences of mead, beer, and the mead hall in A-S life. Does this affect the characters, their actions, and the telling of the story? 20. Lineage-How important is one’s lineage in the poem? What examples do we see of the importance of a character’s family line or legacy, and how does this affect their actions and the poem? 21. Mythology-What references are there to mythological characters or conventions in the poem? 22. Choose your own topic and get it approved by Mr. Kirsten. Beowulf Research Sites:

Internet Public Library-Literary Criticism http://www.ipl.org/div/litcrit/

Library Spot-Literary Criticism http://www.libraryspot.com/litcrit.htm

IPL-Beowulf http://www.ipl.org/div/litcrit/bin/litcrit.out.pl?ti=beo-279

Georgetown University-Beowulf http://www.georgetown.edu/faculty/irvinem/english016/beowulf/beowulf.html

Literary Criticism of Beowulf (in Literary Resource Center from GaleNet)

If you are asked for a barcode, enter 014828490. When the program opens, click on Title search and enter Beowulf. Then, on the screen of results that comes in, click on the tab labeled "Literary Criticism."

The Beowulf Homepage http://www.dc.peachnet.edu/~shale/humanities/literature/world_literature/beowulf.html

UNReno Resources for the study of Beowulf http://www.library.unr.edu/subjects/guides/beowulf.html

Background of Beowulf http://legends.dm.net/beowulf/

Women in Beowulf http://www.mun.ca/mst/heroicage/issues/5/porter1.html

EBSCO HOST I have a password for this-see me.