Beowulf Essay Topics
Eng 12 ERWC &
AP Eng Lit and Comp
Mrs. Willoughby-Hull
2013
Topic 1
The Influence of Christianity in
Beowulf: Some scholars
believe that Beowulf was
written by a Christian monk
who added Christian elements
to the story. How do these
elements affect the poem?
Topic 2
The Role of Women in
Beowulf: Examine the female
characters in Beowulf. Do
women play an important role
in the poem? Is this
consistent with their roles in
today’s society?
Topic 3
Monsters of Beowulf:
Consider the qualities of the
three monsters. Why does the
poet give Grendel, his mother
and the dragon human
qualities? What does each of
their homes say about them
as enemies of Beowulf?
Topic 4
Good vs. Evil in Beowulf: How
are the concepts of good and
evil presented in Beowulf?
Does this reveal anything about
Anglo-Saxon society?
Topic 5
Mortality in Beowulf: What
role does the concept of
mortality play in Beowulf?
Topic 6
Characteristics of an Epic
Hero: Epic heroes have many
common characteristics. How
do Beowulf’s heroic qualities
affect the story? Look at
Beowulf in terms of the heroic
quest. Does he undergo
change?
Topic 7
Jesus vs. Beowulf: Look at
Beowulf as a sort of Christ
figure. What are the
similarities? How are they
both heroic in nature?
Topic 8
Battles with Monsters in Beowulf:
In Beowulf’s three fights with
three monsters, he uses different
methods, techniques, and
weapons, and he wins different
“trophies” each time. Analyze
these differences and explain
what this says about his
development as a hero.
Topic 9
How does treasure function in
Beowulf? How do the
characters and the poet seem
to feel about the element of
gold, as it appears throughout
the poem? How does money
affect society today?
Topic 10
Revenge in Beowulf: In Beowulf
what are the consequences of
seeking revenge? What other
ways might problems be
worked out?
Topic 11
The Importance of Reputation
in Beowulf: Write an essay
describing the importance of
reputation to the characters in
Beowulf, using examples from
the text.
Topic 12
Symbolism in Beowulf: Write an
essay in which you analyze the
importance of one of Beowulf ’s
symbols—Herot, Grendel
(especially his claw and head),
the lair of Grendel and his mother,
or the dragon’s hoard.
FIRST DRAFT
First Draft Essay Is Due:
Thursday/Friday –
October 3rd and 4th, 2013