World Literature essay exam

English 2332 – Essay Test One

Read these instructions carefully. You don't get a second chance at completing this assignment.

Choose ONE of the questions below for your essay response. Develop a well-organized essay of at least 2-3 typed, double-spaced pages, using MLA formatting and documentation style. **You must supply direct quotes from the literature (course readings) to support your ideas.

NO USE OF I, ME, WE, YOU – in your writing. This is an analysis, not a personal essay.

Use the readings, the Dallas College Library Databases, (Literary Reference Center, Bloom’s Literature, or Academic Search Complete) or Google Scholar for your research. You may use two additional research sources in addition to the reading assignments. List all sources used on a Works Cited page.

Option #1:

Many readers have pointed out that the fears, hopes, and attitudes seen in Caedmon’s Hymn, Gilgamesh, and Beowulf are still present in the world today. Is this true? If so, which appear to be the most prevalent?

Option #2:

One theory about myths is that they help the people in a given community to come to terms with their world more easily. Can any of the lessons in Caedmon’s Hymn, Gilgamesh, and/or Beowulf still be studied with an eye to improving a person's way of dealing with life today?

Option #3:

Tragedy is usually defined as the fall of a great hero who endures his fate courageously and nobly. Is this true of Gilgamesh and Beowulf? Compare the two heroes? In what ways are they alike? In what ways are they different? What lessons, or legacy, did they leave for their readers?

Option #4:

Compare and contrast Caedmon, Gilgamesh, and Beowulf’s character. How are they similar and how are they different? What are the unique strengths and weaknesses of each, and how do they compare, and/or contrast with each other?

Note: Although this is an exam, it’s still an essay, and as such, you may use the OWL or visit the Academic Skills Center for tutorial support. Be sure to follow directions for in-person tutorial support. Dr. Forbess