Beowulf In-Class Essay
Test---100pts
Choose one of the six possible essays and respond accordingly. Please keep in mind the expectation of a
paragraph (5-7 sentences) and the proper functions of an essay (introduction, body(s) and conclusion).
Make sure you read and answer the prompt thoroughly. **Remember, you are required to have direct
quotations from the text to support your claim therefore you will have in-text citations as well. Refer to
the citation handout if you have questions.
1. Beowulf is one of the oldest pieces of literature and considered one of the greatest Anglo-Saxon
Epics in existence. Using the four traits that make up an epic, explain how each trait is
portrayed and its importance in the epic of Beowulf. Each trait should be supported by three
quotes and should be explained in individual paragraphs that make up a complete essay
response. Thus, there are four traits…three quotes each…twelve quotes total.
2. The epic ends with the death of Beowulf. Explain why you think the conclusion of this tale
represents a triumph or defeat for Beowulf. Use at least four quotes to support your opinion.
3. In a well-developed essay, discuss one (or all) of the major themes that have been established
through the reading of Beowulf. Focus on the theme (s) you feel has been developed to its full
potential and supply four quotes that directly link your theme to the overall meaning of the
epic.
4. In a well-developed essay, analyze the character of Grendel. Open with a statement of what
you see as most important about Grendel. (Characterization) Is he truly evil? Whom or what is
responsible for his evilness/violent rage? Is he miss-understood? Is he in search for something?
If so, what do you suppose it is? Quote at least five passages to support your analysis.
5. Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon epic. Referring back to both the Anglo-Saxon Religion as well as the
Anglo-Saxon Code of Honor, discuss the significance of both elements in relation to Beowulf,
King Hrothgar, Beowulf’s men, King Hrothgar’s men, and Wiglaf. Provide at least five quotes to
support your response.
6. Beowulf is considered an epic hero.
Quotation Guidelines
Keeping the following guidelines in mind will help you effectively use quotations in an integrated,
correctly punctuated manner with appropriate citation information.
1. Quotations are used to help illustrate and support the point you are making, not to “pad” your
essay. Make sure your quotations relate to your main points.
2. Punctuate quotations correctly: “you’re a dead man if I ask you again.” Notice that the period
appears inside the double quotation marks.
3. Cite the source of your quotations: “you’re a dead man if I ask you again” (119). Note that with
the page number in parentheses that the period appears after the closing parenthesis. The page
number itself is sufficient when you are using a single source as in this assignment. Some
people include the author’s last name for the first citation: (Sophocles 119).
4. Use integrating phrases to help integrate your quotation into paragraph flow: Oedipus
threatens, “You’re a dead man if I ask you again” (119). OR: Oedipus demonstrates his
insistence on free will when he threatens the old shepherd: “you’re a dead man if I ask you
again” (119). Note that the brief integrating phrase takes the comma. An independent clause
introduction of a quotation, however, takes the colon.
5. Do not close a paragraph with a quotation. Rather follow-up your quoted material with a
comment which relates the quotation to your main idea: Oedipus threatens, “You’re a dead
man if I ask you again” (119). Here we see two of the characteristics of the tragic hero
displayed: Oedipus’ insistence on free will and his tragic flaw of anger and subsequent
misjudgment.
6. **FYI**
Be aware that the treatment of quotations varies from one academic discipline to another.