Part III: Essay (40 points): Write a thoughtful, detailed r…
Part III: Essay (40 points): Write a thoughtful, detailed response to one of the following topics (at least 400 words; “A” essays usually go beyond minimum standards). Have a short opening paragraph that makes a main assertion related to the prompt. Have body paragraphs that directly address the topics. These should be the bulk of the essay. Incorporate into your body paragraphs specific examples from the text, as well as key terms and ideas from the videos/PowerPoints. Do not merely summarize the plot of the text. End with a short conclusion. Include a word count (you must write this “by hand”—one point bonus added for doing so)** Topic A: Beowulf Beowulf obviously was a man of great physical strength, one who was able to slay Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. The poem, though, spends a great deal of time discussing Beowulf’s stellar qualities beyond his mere physical strength. Discuss those qualities in an essay. What specific character traits make him both an ideal warrior and ultimately a worthy king? In your essay, be sure to discuss the following: Beowulf’s interactions with Unferth, discussing all the evolution of their relationship (one body paragraph) Beowulf’s treatment of Hrothgar, including Hrothgar’s opinion of Beowulf (one body paragraph) His loyalty and respect for his own king, queen, and Geat nation (one body paragraph) Optional: You can add a 4th body paragraph, discussing anything else you think relevant, or extend any one of the previous sections to a second body paragraph Conclusion: Ultimately what kind of hero was the poet trying to create in Beowulf? Topic B: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Discuss the importance of the Green Girdle and the moral implications it has on Sir Gawain, particularly his Christian fidelity. How does the poem present Gawain as the epitome of the Christian chivalric knight? In your essay, be sure to have body paragraphs that do the following: Explain Gawain’s rationale for taking this girdle. When is he offered it? Why does he accept it? In what way(s) does he fail morally in this section of the text? (one body paragraph) Detail the Green Knight’s explanation about the third swipe, including the reason for the nick on the neck, and analyze Gawain’s reaction to the Green Knight’s words. How does he feel about himself and the girdle at this moment, and why? (one body paragraph) Explain Gawain’s actions related to the Green Girdle when he returns to Camelot. What does he do? What do his actions reveal about him? (one body paragraph) Optional: You can add a 4th body paragraph, discussing anything else you think relevant, or extend any one of the previous sections to a second body paragraph. Conclusion: What kind of knight was the poet creating in Sir Gawain?
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