Beowulf (translated by Seamus Heaney)
Order Description

Beowulf Essay Topics

Set I
1. Scops. What is the role of scops in Beowulf? Do they have any influence on the plot? What elements
in the story are best performed, and what does this reveal about the legend’s importance to Anglo-Saxon
society?
2. Religion in Beowulf-Pagan references. What Pagan religious traditions are evident in Beowulf, and how
do they affect the poem?
3. The influence of Christianity in Beowulf. Some scholars believe that Beowulf was written by a
Christian monk who added Christian elements to the story. How do these elements affect the poem?
4. The role of Women in Beowulf. Examine the female characters in Beowulf. Do women play an
important role in the poem? Is this consistent with their roles in Anglo-Saxon society?
5. Numerology. We see the repetition of several numbers in Beowulf. What significance does this have in
the poem?
6. Monsters of Beowulf. Consider the qualities of the three monsters. Why does the poet give Grendel and
his mother human qualities? What does each of their homes say about them as foes for Beowulf?
7. Good vs. Evil. How are the concepts of good and evil presented in Beowulf? Does this reveal anything
about Anglo-Saxon society?
8. Common plot elements of an epic poem. There are several common conventions associated with
Beowulf as an epic poem. Are these conventions common in other epic poems?
9. Mortality. What role does the concept of mortality play in Beowulf?
10. The belief of fate in Beowulf. How much of the plot depends individual choice and how much depends
on fate? Does Beowulf control his own actions through choice, or is he driven by something out of his
control?
11. Characteristics of an epic hero. Epic heroes have many common characteristics. How do Beowulf’s
heroic qualities affect the story? Look at Beowulf in terms of the heroic quest. Does he undergo
change?
12. Jesus vs. Beowulf. Look at Beowulf as a sort of Christ figure. What are the similarities? How are they
both heroic in nature?
13. Literary devices in Beowulf: a) alliteration b) kennings c) symbolism
d) metaphors How/what do they add to the story?
14. Religious symbolism. Take a look at the religious symbolism, especially in battle scenes. What does
this reveal about the role of religion?
15. Anglo-Saxon traditions. How do Anglo-Saxon traditions affect the events of the poem? Are they
accurate or invented and exaggerated as many scholars believe?
16. Boasting and fame in Beowulf. How does Beowulf’s quest for fame and rewards conflict with the
Christian ideals of pride and eternal reward?
17. Battles with monsters. In Beowulf’s three fights with three monsters he uses different methods,
techniques, and weapons, and he wins different “trophies” each time. Analyze these differences and
explain what this says about his development as a hero.
18. Modern themes. Look for themes in Beowulf that have connection to our society and to modern
humanity. Does this ancient literature have any common themes that we can learn from?
19. What role does the mead hall play in “Beowulf” and Anglo-Saxon society? Research the origins and
influences of mead, beer, and the mead hall in A-S life. Does this affect the characters, their actions,
and the telling of the story?
20. Lineage-How important is one’s lineage in the poem? What examples do we see of the importance of a
character’s family line or legacy, and how does this affect their actions and the poem?
21. Mythology-What references are there to mythological characters or conventions in the poem?
Set II
1. How are the themes of male dominance and patriarchy handled in Beowulf? And what was the
historical precedence for this when it was written?
2. How important a factor is ancestry to the warriors? How does it compare to other factors of selfworth
and societal worth for them?
3. What is the importance of religion in Beowulf? How is it different from other literary works from
the same time period?
4. Are there any female heroines in Beowulf?
5. What significance did the mead hall have in Beowulf? What is the modern day equivalent to the
mead hall in hero archetypal stories?
6. Would Beowulf have been elected if they used democracy as a structure of government? If he
wouldn’t which other character would be most likely to be elected?
7. Which character in Beowulf is the most well developed with psychological and moral complexity?
8. How does Hrothgar’s sermon function as a window into the writer’s voice? What does it use that
dialogue can’t?
9. What did Grendel’s claw serve as a symbol for?
10. Is there a modern equivalent for the heroic code of comitatus in Beowulf?
Rubric:

Meaning:
Topic demonstrates clarity,
focus, and control.
Ideas are insightful, original.
The topic is a thorough,
balanced, in-depth
explanation/exploration.
Insightful observations.
Productive analysis and
interpretation of sources.
Content is well-suited to
audience and purpose.

Development/Support:
Researched materials provide
strong, accurate, and
credible support for the
thesis. Analysis reflects an effective
understanding of the
historical context.

Organization:
Thoughtful, skillful and fluid
arrangement of ideas
enhances meaning.

MLA Style:
Data is used to enhance and
support ideas by careful
placement and arrangement
of parenthetical citations.
Heading, pagination,
citations, and Works Cited
page are in proper MLA
format.

Style/Voice:
Writing style maintains the
reader’s interest throughout.
Tone is well suited to topic
and audience.
Mastery of mechanics and
conventions.