Beowulf Writing Assignment

Option 1: Modern-Day Beowulf

One important aspect of Beowulf is the fact that Grendel attacks not only the men, but
their way of life. The mead-hall is central to their society. By abandoning it, they are abandoning
their tales of battles, feasts, and boasting of future glory. Beowulf comes to purge the evil from
the hall and restore Hrothgar and his men to the normal way of life. Throughout the story,
Beowulf’s words and actions show us what is important in his society. For this assignment, you
will modernize the story of Beowulf and his defeat of Grendel and/or his mother by placing the
characters in contemporary society. In your story, please be sure to include the following:

1. Give Beowulf a modern job of your choosing.

2. Turn Herot into something and/or someplace important to today’s society.
3. Transform Grendel into someone (or something) who threatens the important
place/object and is ultimately defeated in some way.
4. Make sure to use kennings, alliteration, and foreshadowing in telling his story, as well
as to provide vivid descriptions of both hero and monster.
5. Written as a narrative (i.e., tell me a story)

Option 2: Mock Epic

As you have learned, an epic is a type of poetry which chronicles the extensive journey of a
superhuman hero. However, writers often like to parody the epic form by writing a mock epic,
which turns a boring, every day event into a legendary adventure. Your mock epic should
include the following:

1. Begin in medias res and with a statement of subject/theme

2. A vast setting
3. An epic hero with superhuman abilities
4. Harrowing deeds of courage and valor
5. Kennings, alliteration, and foreshadowing
6. Written as a poem (does NOT have to rhyme or be written in couplets)

Assignment Requirements:

- Your assignment must be at least one page in length (typed or handwritten)

- I will be looking for evidence that you understand Beowulf, the qualities of an epic poem
and epic hero, and narrative elements in general.
- You may receive up to five extra credit points for including a small artistic element with
your writing (for example, a small poster or collage, a colorful drawing, graphic novel,
etc.)
 Option 1: Modern-Day Beowulf

Stepping into the darkness, Beowulf’s eyes had trouble adjusting. How could the world
spill forth with so much darkness when he himself has been awake for what seemed like many
moons? He adjusts the pinstriped emblem hanging from his neck – a symbol of the authority he
had gained from many years of service.

Summoning his trusty steed, Prius, he remembers that today is the day when he will face
his toughest challenge – Grendel and his mother, For weeks, he had battled with Grendel, who
had challenged him in every way. He refused to turn in assignments. Often, he crept into the
room late, but preferred to lie in wait for unsuspecting freshman in the hallway, ready at a
moment’s notice to steal their silver and flee. When he did arrive, he slept, screeched, or
screamed, causing those around him to recoil in horror. With his black beady eyes, unkempt
mane of hair, and evil disposition, Grendel had become the incurable pestilence of Beowulf’s
sacred kingdom. Though many before him had tried to tame the beast, they had failed; though
able to temporarily subdue the monster, they instantly weakened at the sight of his mother.
Today, he was to challenge them both at once. No hero had ever been so bold, but Beowulf was
a skilled warrior and had a daring plan on his side.

After his harrowing journey from his homeland to the kingdom, time passed
uneventfully. Suddenly, the clock struck three, signaling the final hour and the arrival of the
enemy, whom he had not seen all day. Trailing behind was Grendel’s mother, a frightful figure
of face-decoration and perfume. She immediately launched her assault.

“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! MY SON IS AN A+ STUDENT! HE HAS

NEVER DONE ANYTHING WRONG IN HIS LIFE! YOU JUST HATE HIM AND WANT
HIM TO FAIL! I DEMAND THAT YOU BE FIRED AND I WILL MAKE SURE YOUR
BOSS KNOWS WHAT A TERRIBLE TEAACHER YOU ARE!”

Though tempted to shield himself from her dagger-words, Beowulf remained stoic.
Instead, he handed her a file folder, filled with his observations of Grendel;’s behavior in class,
his most recent report card, and a list of his run-ins with administration (and even the police).

As Grendel’s mother read the file, her small face contorted into a grotesque mask of fury.
Grendel’s face transformed, too, as he watched his mother; it grew pale and lost its semi-
permanent smirk. Without another word, Grendel’s mother sunk her claws into the fleshy
softness of her son’s arm and dragged him out the door.

As it slammed shut and muffled Grendel’s fading howls of pain, a smile crept onto
Beowulf’s face. Knowing that some species devour their own young, he was certain that his
kingdom would be peaceful at last.
 Option 2: Mock Epic
Let me tell you a tale of legend and lore
That few of your fellows have heard before
A harrowing story of daring and wit
Which features a hero who never dared quit
The journey began with the start of the morn
As the small sky-lights shimmered, as if they’d just been born
Our heroine awakens, defeated and worn
Because from her bed she’s been forcefully torn
Needing sustenance, she travels far and wide
Using the superhuman vision she has on her side.
And just when she feels the need to collapse,
A sign from the heavens prevents a relapse.
Glowing through darkness, mist, and the fog
Is a sign advertising rich fare and strong grog.
Our heroine uses her last ounce of strength
To converse with the waiter and order at length.
Moments later, she sighs, shedding all of her strife
And sips on her coffee – the elixir of life.