Beowulf mini essay

Beowulf Mini- Essay
Assignment 1: Compose a mini-essay on a significant aspect of Beowulf.
• Mini-essays have a thesis statement, 2-3 paragraphs with CECC’s and a concluding statement. (Notice the introduction and conclusion are only the statements).
The best papers will:
• Have a thesis that includes the author’s name and the work’s title, plus a specific literary analysis aspect that can be debated in your essay.
• For each body paragraph, start with a TOPIC SENTENCE that relates to the thesis. Followed by your CECC format.
• Contain 3-4 well-chosen pieces of EVIDENCE (including at least ONE quoted passage /quote from Foster. You can also use the Epic Hero PPt here, your citation will be Jones + the slide #).
• Use transitions to effectively incorporated the CECC’s into your writing)
• Fully explain how the selected evidence supports/develops the controlling idea—Commentary/Conclusion
• Be complete in approx. 500 words
• Use active voice and active, vivid verbs (no is) and write in the present tense
• Use third person and formal diction (no slang, etc.); this includes NO contractions, as well as correct verb agreement
• Have a summary sentence as the final sentence (conclusion).
• Use transitions and transitional phrases
• Include a Works Cited listing Beowulf and any other sources, i. e. Foster or Jones
• Turn in to Turnitin.com
A few sample topic sentences (controlling ideas):
 Beowulf has all of the characteristics of an epic hero. Prove it.
 Discuss Beowulf as an epic hero—what societal values does he embody that are still valued today?
 Discuss the archetypes found in the poem.
 Glory was the thread that held the Anglo-Saxon culture and the warrior clan together, and epic heroes, such as Beowulf, are truly glorious.
 Beowulf has several themes: The Heroic Code, Good vs. Evil, Loyalty, The Guest-Friendship Code (Xenia – Greek concept of hospitality), Death and Defeat. Pick one and explore how it applies to the poem. Also, give an opinion on it.
 Symbols for Evil or evil traits are used throughout the poem. Explore this idea.

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