Senior English
Beowulf Essay
All formal essays require organization in order to be successful. Therefore, you are
required to complete an outline. Use this model to help you develop your outline.
TOPIC: Explain how Beowulf, the poem, exhibits traits indicative of the AngloSaxon culture. Do this by choosing ONE particular aspect to discuss in your essay.
I. Introduction:
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II.
Discuss Anglo Saxon traits from the time period.
Give a brief overview of the how or why these traits are displayed in literature.
Transition into the story of Beowulf and provide basic plotline.
Include at least 3 categories of Anglo Saxon characteristics to set up your body
paragraphs
Write a single-point thesis statement
Body Paragraph: Topic Sentence
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A. Subtopic Introduction _____________________________________________
1. Introduce the quote that will prove your example
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2. Document quote location _______________________________________
3. Explain the quote (include what happens before, during & after the quote)
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4. Explain how the information in steps 1, 2, & 3 prove your thesis.
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B. Subtopic Introduction _____________________________________________
1. Introduce the quote that will prove your example
____________________________________________________________
2. Document quote location _______________________________________
3. Explain the quote (include what happens before, during & after the quote)
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4. Explain how the information in steps 1, 2, & 3 prove your thesis.
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III.
Body Paragraph: Topic Sentence
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
A. Subtopic Introduction _____________________________________________
1. Introduce the quote that will prove your example
____________________________________________________________
2. Document quote location _______________________________________
3. Explain the quote (include what happens before, during & after the quote)
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
4. Explain how the information in steps 1, 2, & 3 prove your thesis.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
B. Subtopic Introduction _____________________________________________
1.Introduce the quote that will prove your example
____________________________________________________________
2..Document quote location _______________________________________
3..Explain the quote (include what happens before, during & after the quote)
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
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4.
Explain how the information in steps 1, 2, & 3 prove your thesis.
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Conclusion
1. Restate your thesis.
2. Summarize the main points in your paper.
3. End with general comments about Beowulf as a poem indicative of Anglo-Saxon
traits. Does it do an effective job of portraying the real people?
4. Do NOT provide personal opinions about the poem such as that you enjoyed
reading it, etc.
OUTLINE EXAMPLE - CONVERTED TO DRAFT
II. (TOPIC) The Anglo Saxon traits may be seen in Beowulf’s bravery.
A. (SUBTOPIC INTRODUCTION) The author clearly shows this aspect of his
personality before the battle with Grendel.
1. (INTRO QUOTE)Upon his arrival, Beowulf shows his courage as he proclaims,
2. (QUOTE LOCATION) “ xxxxxx” (432-435).
3. (BEFORE) Beowulf tells of his success in fighting.
(DURING) He shows a faith in God. Does not fear dying.
(AFTER)
So courageous that he will fight without weapons.
4. (PROVE THESIS) Because he openly comes, exercises a sense of justice, makes
it his mission, he shows valor.
The Anglo-Saxon trait of bravery in battle may be repeatedly observed in Beowulf’s
behavior. The author clearly indicates this aspect of his personality before he even
begins to fight for the safety of the Danes. Upon his arrival, Beowulf shows his courage
by advocating his ability to aid these terror stricken people. Before offering his help with
the menace, Beowulf lays out his qualifications to be a hero. These consist of his
victorious battles against man-eating monsters. After offering up his resume, Beowulf
humbly requests,
That I, alone with the help of my men,
May purge all evil from this hall. I have heard,
Too, that the monster’s scorn of men
Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none.(431-434)
Once he obtains permission to proceed in the battle, he humbly acknowledges that his life
lies in God’s hands. Therefore, he shows no fear of his outcome because his trust in a
higher power gives him a spirit of heroism. He even commits to a courageous and fairminded fight against the evil Grendel with no weapons.. Because he sees saving people
as his mission in life, his valor becomes clearly evident in his mannerisms as he prepares
for this challenge.