Beowulf: Culminating Essay.

Read the passage below and the directions to

follow. You will be writing a thesis driven essay arguing a specific theme(s)
and tone(s) of Beowulf.

From:
http://www.paperstarter.com/beowulf.htm
The world of Beowulf is almost unrecognizable to the one we know today, mostly because of the
entirely different set of cultural, societal, and even familial values that are present in this ancient
world. Throughout Beowulf, the three most important values are kinship, courage, and honor.
While these are all independent cultural and societal values, they work together to reflect a
culture that puts a great deal of emphasis on someone holding true to his word, particularly
because the reputation and honor of his family depends on it. Families in turn are very important
because they are the source of identification (notice, for example, how no one is mentioned by his
deeds, by rather by who his or her father and brothers are). For this essay topic or thesis
statement, integrate at least three examples that reflect this cultural system based on kinship and
honor and write a conclusion based on why these might have been important factors (hint:
consider the transient nature of some groups, the higher mortality rate, etc).
These traits reflect tone and theme of the poem. Your essay should seek to analyze how the poem
reflects these three ideas. You may also write about different themes from the poem but you must
first discuss those with me.
Dont worry about length of the essay. Use text and quotes from the poem to back up your
assertions and write a clear and cogent thesis statement backed up with examples and a
conclusion. Focus on delving beneath the literal surface.
Include parenthetical references (author, page number) and include a works cited sheet only if
you cite anything other than the poem itself.
The essay must be word processed or typed, double-spaced, use 12-point font and please use
white paper (colored paper makes it harder to comment on your essay). Please include a cover
page as well.
Final Drafts due Oct.2