Beowulf and Grendel

GRENDEL / ESSAY TOPICS

DIFF IN THE FINAL BATTLE SCENE BETWEEN GRENDEL AND BEOWULF OR CHARACTERIZATION OF EITHER CHARACTER

NEED 2-3 PAGES PLUS REFERENCES

In culmination of the novel Grendel, we will be writing an essay that focuses on the differences in the final battle scene between Grendel and Beowulf or characterization of either character. In order to complete the analysis, you may wish to utilize both the poem, Beowulf, and the novel, Grendel. Please choose one of the following prompts to explore. Be sure your thesis reflects what you believe Gardner or the author of the Beowulf poem argues. What is the point to the text? If you would like to work with a prompt of your own, please discuss this with me before you begin the writing process. One of my prompts should be used as a springboard for your own.

The essay should:

1. use quotes from both texts with correct citations of either page or line numbers

2.One secondary source from the databases. This source can agree , disagree, or add information about the text.

3. include 4-6 quotes from each text

4.be 2-3 pages long

5. be revised for grammar and punctuation mistakes. Be sure you know when to use each text.

6. be submitted to turnitin.com before due date

7. Remember… the Toulmin model! Claim-Data-Warrant

Prompts:

1. Please agree or disagree with the following quote. Remember to use support from both texts.

“Grendel is a retelling of the Beowulf legend from the monster’s point of view that depicts him as a relatively sympathetic character and Beowulf as a psychopath” (Fitzpatrick).

2. Compare the tone in which the Beowulf poet and Gardner use while describing the final battle scene between Beowulf and Grendel.  Examine the actions of Grendel and Beowulf. How does the difference in tone affect the reader’s perspective and author’s message? How does the tone of each battle change the story?

3.Argue if you believe there to be a correlation between Grendel’s relationship with his mother and his view on women, specifically Wealtheow.

4.Argue if you think Gardner “humanizes” Grendel. What is Gardner’s message to the reader?

5. Prove why/how the character trait influences the decision-making process of the character, leads to how others perceive the character, or leads to the success or failure of the character.

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