Beowulf Writing Assignment
Epic Speech
You will be writing an epic speech inspired by and in the style of Beowulf. You may choose from either of the prompts
below. This writing assignment is due Friday, October 2, 2015. It also needs to be uploaded to Turnitin.com by the
end of that day. Pieces not uploaded to Turnitin.com will not be graded. This writing assignment is worth 75 points.
1. Write an epic, Beowulvian introduction. Imagine a situation in which you must introduce yourself, as Beowulf
must upon his arrival in Denmark. Write a speech (in prose or verse form) in the style of an epic in which you
introduce who you are, where you come from, and why you are where you are (i.e. what you are doing there).
Start your speech: “I am ______________,” then follow it with an epithet. For example, “I am Ms. Laroche,
master of grammar and wielder of red pens.”
2. Imagine a real “dangerous” or “difficult” situation into which you must enter. Create an epic speech that you will
deliver before entering this situation. This situation can be truly difficult (i.e. a sporting event, a test, etc.) or it
can be an ordinary act that you make sound epic (i.e. getting to school on the CTA, making a sandwich, etc.).
Model this speech after Beowulf’s before he battles Grendel, Grendel’s mother or the dragon.
Some things to remember:
 This piece should by typed following standard formatting.
 Model the style and language of epic speeches, i.e. Beowulf’s, by using epithets, kennings, sound devices, imagery,
etc.
 Consider elements of legendary and epic heroes, and characterize yourself as one as you create your speech.
 This speech should be about 1 page long.
Beowulf Writing Assignment
Epic Speech
You will be writing an epic speech inspired by and in the style of Beowulf. You may choose from either of the prompts
below. This writing assignment is due Friday, October 2, 2015. It also needs to be uploaded to Turnitin.com by the
end of that day. Pieces not uploaded to Turnitin.com will not be graded. This writing assignment is worth 75 points.
3. Write an epic, Beowulvian introduction. Imagine a situation in which you must introduce yourself, as Beowulf
must upon his arrival in Denmark. Write a speech (in prose or verse form) in the style of an epic in which you
introduce who you are, where you come from, and why you are where you are (i.e. what you are doing there).
Start your speech: “I am ______________,” then follow it with an epithet. For example, “I am Ms. Laroche,
master of grammar and wielder of red pens.”
4. Imagine a real “dangerous” or “difficult” situation into which you must enter. Create an epic speech that you will
deliver before entering this situation. This situation can be truly difficult (i.e. a sporting event, a test, etc.) or it
can be an ordinary act that you make sound epic (i.e. getting to school on the CTA, making a sandwich, etc.).
Model this speech after Beowulf’s before he battles Grendel, Grendel’s mother or the dragon.
Some things to remember:
 This piece should by typed following standard formatting.
 Model the style and language of epic speeches, i.e. Beowulf’s, by using epithets, kennings, sound devices, imagery,
etc.
 Consider elements of legendary and epic heroes, and characterize yourself as one as you create your speech.
 This speech should be about 1 page long.