Anglo Saxon Period Composition

•  

  Beowulf composition:

  • Topic: Write a sketch of the character Beowulf. Identify and discuss three separate and distinct strengths of the character.
  • Organization: The essay must consist of five paragraphs:
    • 1) Introduction. Explain what you're going to do.
    • 2) Quality 1.
    • 3) Quality 2.
    • 4) Quality 3.
  • 5) The conclusion should indicate the value of your essay. Why care about identifying heroic or evil qualities? Do heroes and villains still exist today? If so, where are they found? Are there contemporary Beowulfs? Are we different from the people in Beowulf's society? Are we similar to them? What is relevant about that?
  • Development: Each paragraph in the body of the essay should be supported by at least three references. Include quotes which suggest/describe the characteristics/qualities you choose. Do not choose lengthy quotations (i.e., beyond two lines). Integrate the quotations into your own sentences. Avoid using the same quotation for all three qualities.
  • Style: Provide transitions between paragraphs. The transitions should provide some connections among the three qualities.
    • “In addition to being tall, Grendel is hairy.”
    • “Grendel’s physical ugliness is accompanied by a moral ugliness.”
    • “Finally, Grendel’s mother is intransigent.”
  • Point of view: This is your essay. Feel free to share your ideas, but don't impose them on your reader, e.g., don't write "You have to respect Beowulf for his generosity in defending the Danes."  You are allowed your feelings, values, and reactions, allow me my feelings and the generic reader his or hers. Write: “Beowulf can be respected for his generosity to the Danes." Also keep in mind that Use the 2nd person "you is a violation of parallelism since the rest of the essay is third person.
  • Spelling and Usage: Proofread! Have parents and friends (not writing on your character) read your essay pointing out anything causing confusion, e.g., a run on sentence, a fragment, misuse of a word, subject/verb agreement problems, spelling, and usage. If the folks at home are confused, I'll be confused.
  • Format: See FAQs for Students 8, 15, & 16
  • Length: 2 pages, double spaced.