Mcnair S Honors English 12 Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay Assignment

McNair’s Honors English 12 – Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay Assignment

Choose ONE of the following questions/prompts to address in a complete, well-developed essay. You may use notes or text to help you and MUST include embedded quotes from the text to support/enhance your response.

DISCLAIMER: Remember while it is possible to misinterpret a piece of literature the good news is that there is more than one possible right answer. Your essay response is your view and understanding of the text as it relates to the prompt. The key is the use of the text as your evidence or proof that your response is correct. So while, in a sense, you are stating your opinion, you must state it authoritatively (so, NO use of “I think” or “I believe” or “In my opinion”, etc.).

OUTSIDE RESEARCH: No outside research is required for this essay. However, if you feel the need to understand the era/epic poem more thoroughly before you respond to a prompt, you may use the internet for background information. If you DO use outside research, make sure you properly document it and list it on a work cited page. NO SPARK NOTES OR CLIFF NOTES SITES!!!

GENERAL GUIDELINES:  Your final draft MUST be typed, double-spaced with a Times Roman 12 point font and proper MLA parenthetical citation.  Don’t forget a proper heading (it is single spaced on the top left of your paper). Here is an example … o Jon BonJovi Honors English 12 McNair September 10, 2014  Include a creative and relevant title.  Watch your grammar and spelling!  Do NOT use 1st person (I, me, we, us, our) and do NOT use “you”!!!!  Limit the use of passive voice (“is done by,” etc.).  Include a clear thesis that states a distinct argument or stand addressing your chosen prompt.

Remember, this essay is a demonstration of your own thoughts and skills.

OPTIONS OF PROMPTS:

1. Both Hrothgar and Beowulf face threats from within their societies and from outside their societies. Which is more barbaric, the outside threat/monster or the “inside” threat/monster? Why? How?

2. How are the three fights Beowulf faces (Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon) complex reflections of the dangers to society/civilization of the time?

3. Grendel’s ultimate role in the story is much more complex than presented by the plot alone. What is Grendel (besides a monster)? Why is he so monstrous (beyond the fact that he kills people)? How does the Beowulf poet convey the horror that surrounds him? Why? What purpose does Grendel serve? What purpose does the horror that he conveys serve?

4. Beowulf continually mixes both pagan and Christian/Biblical values. How are these values juxtaposed throughout the text? Is this syncretism (the combination of different beliefs interacting with each other) a result of coincidence, historical events, or did the poet have underlying motives? Remember, we have no hard evidence that the monks actually DID add anything to the original text.

5. Is Beowulf an ideal hero and king? Is there anything lacking in his character?

6. Prove that ONE of the following is a theme in Beowulf: ~ Goodness will triumph over evil ~ The importance of ancestral identify and reputation ~ The difference in values between the young and old ~ The importance of loyalty

Final Copy of Essay is due on There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this due date!!

McNair’s Honors English 12 – Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay Assignment

Choose ONE of the following questions/prompts to address in a complete, well-developed essay. You may use notes or text to help you and MUST include embedded quotes from the text to support/enhance your response.

DISCLAIMER: Remember while it is possible to misinterpret a piece of literature the good news is that there is more than one possible right answer. Your essay response is your view and understanding of the text as it relates to the prompt. The key is the use of the text as your evidence or proof that your response is correct. So while, in a sense, you are stating your opinion, you must state it authoritatively (so, NO use of “I think” or “I believe” or “In my opinion”, etc.).

OUTSIDE RESEARCH: No outside research is required for this essay. However, if you feel the need to understand the era/epic poem more thoroughly before you respond to a prompt, you may use the internet for background information. If you DO use outside research, make sure you properly document it and list it on a work cited page. NO SPARK NOTES OR CLIFF NOTES SITES!!!

GENERAL GUIDELINES:  Your final draft MUST be typed, double-spaced with a Times Roman 12 point font and proper MLA parenthetical citation.  Don’t forget a proper heading (it is single spaced on the top left of your paper). Here is an example … o Jon BonJovi Honors English 12 McNair September 10, 2014  Include a creative and relevant title.  Watch your grammar and spelling!  Do NOT use 1st person (I, me, we, us, our) and do NOT use “you”!!!!  Limit the use of passive voice (“is done by,” etc.).  Include a clear thesis that states a distinct argument or stand addressing your chosen prompt.

Remember, this essay is a demonstration of your own thoughts and skills.

OPTIONS OF PROMPTS: 1. Both Hrothgar and Beowulf face threats from within their societies and from outside their societies. Which is more barbaric, the outside threat/monster or the “inside” threat/monster? Why? How?

2. How are the three fights Beowulf faces (Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon) complex reflections of the dangers to society/civilization of the time?

3. Grendel’s ultimate role in the story is much more complex than presented by the plot alone. What is Grendel (besides a monster)? Why is he so monstrous (beyond the fact that he kills people)? How does the Beowulf poet convey the horror that surrounds him? Why? What purpose does Grendel serve? What purpose does the horror that he conveys serve?

4. Beowulf continually mixes both pagan and Christian/Biblical values. How are these values juxtaposed throughout the text? Is this syncretism (the combination of different beliefs interacting with each other) a result of coincidence, historical events, or did the poet have underlying motives? Remember, we have no hard evidence that the monks actually DID add anything to the original text.

5. Is Beowulf an ideal hero and king? Is there anything lacking in his character?

6. Prove that ONE of the following is a theme in Beowulf: ~ Goodness will triumph over evil ~ The importance of ancestral identify and reputation ~ The difference in values between the young and old ~ The importance of loyalty

Final Copy of Essay is due on _ There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this due date!!