Beowulf and Sir Gawain Essay:
After finishing our look at Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,
it’s time for a writing assessment. Choose one of the options below:
1. Define what a hero is using Beowulf and Sir Gawain as models of heroism. Your
definition essay should revolve around at least 3 similar characteristics that both
characters possess and that you deem necessary to be considered a hero.
2. Compare and contrast the two characters, Beowulf and Sir Gawain. Your compare
and contrast essay should revolve around at least 3 characteristics on which you
compare and contrast both characters for your organization style.
3. Compare and contrast the two cultures, Anglo-Saxon and Medieval. You must address the
ideas of comitatus/chivalry, the cultural values of the time, and religion in your compare and
contrast essay. You are welcome to address other ideas/characteristics in your essay. Your essay
organization should be built around 3 characteristics on which you compare and contrast the
two cultures.
Essay Expectations:
1. Make sure that you use the style of organization that is listed in the prompt. If you’re not sure
what I mean, please ask!
2. Your paper must be a minimum of 5 paragraphs – complete introduction, 3 well-developed
body paragraphs, and a complete conclusion paragraph.
3. You must incorporate at least 3 quotes per body paragraph for a total of 9 quotes total used
in your paper. The quotes must be smoothly integrated, and, for Sir Gawain and the Green
Knight, THE QUOTES MUST COME FROM THE VERSION OF THE STORIES THAT YOU WERE GIVEN
– AS IN THE HANDOUT AND THE TEXT BOOK! (For Beowulf, use the book version or one of the
online or ebook poetry versions). Any quotes that are used that come from an unauthorized
version text will not be counted and will hurt your grade.
4. You must upload your writing assignment to turnitin.com by the due date or it will be given a
zero. If your paper is uploaded into the late folder, it is late (either 70% or 50%). Remember, you
can cut and paste your paper into the site. Do not consider your paper uploaded until you have
received your confirmation receipt from turnitin.com. Your paper will be considered on time or
late according to the online copy submitted to turnitin.com.
5. Your paper will be graded according to my writing guidelines. Refer to them and the rubric.
6. Edit and revise your paper to eliminate any errors of the 4 core department expectations
which will result in automatic point deductions.
7. It is your responsibility to get help and feedback from me on your writing assignment before
turning in a final copy. If we have class work days, utilize those for help, and before and after
school.
Due Date:
-rough draft:
120 possible points
-final draft: