Comparison-Contrast Essay: Beowulf & Grendel
English IV
Due: _______________
As part of our study of Beowulf and Grendel, you will complete a 2-3 page (500-750 word), doublespaced, comparison-contrast essay. Below I have listed possible essay topics from which you should
choose your topic. To also help in the writing process, parts of the essay will be due in stages—check the
due dates below. We will also be spending considerable time in class working on the stages and revising.
Character
Beowulf and Grendel share many of the same characters, specifically the main characters Beowulf and
Grendel. Therefore, choose EITHER Beowulf OR Grendel to compare and contrast how he is depicted in
each story. Identify and explain how that character retains some of the same traits in both stories, as
well as identify and explain how that character’s portrayal had changed from one story to the next.
Literary Studies
While Beowulf and Grendel are essentially the same story, each is written in a distinctly different time
period. Write a comparison-contrast essay identifying how each time period, Anglo-Saxon (Beowulf) and
Postmodern (Grendel), has shaped its specific story. Identify and explain what social/cultural influences
are present in each story, and explain how each time period has distinctly shaped its presentation of the
story.
Narrators of Anglo-Saxon Society
Both Beowulf and Grendel spend time depicting Anglo-Saxon culture, yet each depiction is told from a
different narrative perspective. Write a comparison-contrast essay identifying how the different
narrative perspectives shape the depiction of Anglo-Saxon society. Identify the voices of each story
(scops/monks—insiders vs. Grendel—outsider) and explain how and why each narrative voice depicts
characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon society as it does.
Hero Paradigm
Both stories explore the idea of the hero, but each story treats the hero differently. Write a comparisoncontrast essay explaining how the idea of a hero is treated similarly and/or differently from Beowulf to
Grendel. Identify the hero paradigm at work in the stories (epic hero cycle), explain how it is either
fulfilled or denied in each story (compare Beowulf and Unferth), and explain why one story treats the
hero differently from the other.
The Process of Writing
Stage 1: Choose a topic from the choices provided above.
Choose a topic that you are interested in. Do not just choose a topic because it seems the easiest.
Challenge yourself!
Due: __________
Stage 2: Pre-writing: Gathering and Organizing Support (10 pts)
As part of the reading process for this class, you are required to take notes. Use your notes to help you
gather quotations for support in your essay. Complete the handout.
Due: __________
Stage 3: Creating a Thesis Statement (10 pts)
Perhaps the most important and difficult stage in the writing process is creating a thesis statement. Your
thesis statement explains what you are going to argue throughout your paper, and it is typically is
found in your introduction paragraph. It is called “working” because it might change as you begin to
write your paper and clarify your ideas. Complete handout.
Due: ____________
Stage 4: Drafting an Outline (10 pts)
To help you process your ideas more clearly before you begin writing a draft, you will be creating an
outline. An outline highlights the main points and structure of your essay before you begin to write. It is
an excellent way to organize all of your ideas. Your outline must include:
 Working thesis statement
 Topic sentences of supporting body paragraphs
 At least one sub-point under each supporting body paragraph
 Conclusive paragraph sentence
For more credit and for an easier transition to writing, you may also want to include:
 Any textual quotations from the novel you might use
Due: ____________
Stage 5: First Draft (20 pts)
After you have prepared a good outline, you will begin to draft your essay. Your first draft is a rough
draft, meaning that you do not have to have all of your ideas worked out just yet. What is important is
to get your ideas down in essay format. Your first draft should include all of the essential elements
mentioned thus far. You need not worry a lot about grammar, mechanics, or really clear organization.
These are important, but you will get the chance to revise.
Due: ____________
Stage 6: Revision (10 pts)
To help you strengthen your paper, you will complete two stages of revision. First you will have a peer
review your essay. Having the extra set of eyes to glance over your paper, can improve your writing. It
will help you recognize your weaknesses and strengths the more revisions that you make. You will also
do a review of your own essay, making sure that you understand what you have wrote and why you
have wrote it in the way that you have.
Due: ____________
Stage 7: Final Paper (100 pts)
After you have had your review sessions, you will need to make necessary revisions. You will need to
spend time perfecting the following:
 Grammar
 Organization
 Clear writing
 Clear, focused and well supported thesis statement
 Clear and supportive main points
 Supportive detail (quotations and analysis)
Due: ____________
If you have any questions about your paper at this stage or any stage, you are more than welcome to
see me for guidance. Good luck! I know you can do it!