Life Lessons We Can Learn from Beowulf
11th English
Mrs. Carey
Beowulf Essay
Due Date: ______
Yes, Beowulf was composed in around 700 AD, but aside from its cultural significance, what does it have to offer?
Life Lessons (themes) We Can Learn from Beowulf:
1. Honor your King and Queen
2. Never Underestimate the power of Heritage and Reputation
3. Beware the Grendels
4. Every Grendel has a mother
5. Choose your Battles
6. Make Ready the Battle Gear
7. Gather Thirteen Warriors
8. Be a Good Leader
9. Know When to Quit
10. Find your Wiglaf
How would you interpret these “lessons” for modern day living? How do they relate to you or your peers? Do some of these terms mean the same today as they did then? (Warrior, battle, leader, for example).
Assignments
With a partner: Think beyond the text and plot of Beowulf and interpret/apply these lessons to today’s world. Please write on lined paper, carefully underlining each “lesson.” Hand in, 10 points.
Individually: Choose one or two “lessons” and write a longer, focused response in which you elaborate on your thoughts and connect these lessons to your own lives or at least today’s world.
Essay Guidelines
• Write your introduction. The last sentence of your introduction should be a thesis statement as follows: In the famous epic poem Beowulf, a major theme is ______________.
• Write 3 complete body paragraphs that focus on specific examples from the epic poem that demonstrate the theme you have chosen. Each paragraph must include the following:
1. A topic sentence that specifies the example and how it relates to the theme.
2. A citation from the text that demonstrates the theme.
3. Several sentences of analysis showing how the example and theme are related.
• Lastly, write a conclusion that wraps up your argument and sums up your points.
***Please note that you may NOT reference the movie, only the text.
Essay Requirements:
• 2-3 pages, double-spaced
• Minimum of 5 paragraphs
• Minimum of 3 citations
• MLA formatted
Points:
5 points: MLA format
5 points: Mechanics, grammar, spelling, usage
15 points: Response is clearly written, thoughtful, focused on one or two “lessons,” connected to today’s world or own life.
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