For Part III, you'll need to write a 2-3 page essay on some theme found in section three. You need to look at literary devices (symbols, litotes, irony, kennings, etc), structure (parallelism, sun-rise/sun-set, is the dragon a symbol?), and events to reinforce or back up your position. Possible themes include: The Role of Kings (was Beowulf a good king? How does Beowulf compare with Hygelac or Hrothgar? Does Beowulf fail to listen to Hrothgar's sermon from section II?), The Transitory Nature of Life (part III is elegy to a passing way of life - think of Beowulf's funeral and the foreshadows of doom in part III - not just the after-death of Beowulf but the entire build-up of this section, example: Hygelac's invasion of the Friscians, the feud with the Swedes), The theme of Pride (are the Dragon and Beowulf similar?), Good vs. Evil (Beowulf as a Christ-like figure vs the Dragon as a symbol of ultimate evil), Wryd.
You essay will need a hook, a thesis statement, and at least two detailed examples for each of your points.
This is due on October 10.
No comments:
Post a Comment