world literature

Week 5 Instructions

Beowulf

Starts on page 118, Volume B

Choose one of the following for your reading response:

1. Compare the warrior culture we find in this poem to that of the Iliad.
2. Discuss the use of the supernatural in the poem, particular in the depiction of Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon.
3. Discuss the combination of pagan and Christian elements in the poem.
4. Find one or two passages in the work that seem to crystallize the overall meaning or value of the work for you; or, that seem especially interesting for the imagery, wisdom, rhetorical power, or other memorable quality. Quote and defend your choice in a few sentences.
5. Browse one or more critical works in the library databases. Quote one passage from the critical work, and in a few sentences tell us why it is helpful in appreciating the primary work.

REMEMBER to write beyond the minimum required length of 150 words, not including any quotations you use from the primary works or from secondary, critical sources. Also, REMEMBER not to plagiarize, and CITE any sources you happen to use.