: Modern Writing Assignment*

Beowulf is one of the oldest stories in the English language. However, the basic story good versus evil has been repeated again and again. One important aspect of the story is the fact that Grendel attacks not only the men, but also their way of life. The mead-hall is central to their society. By abandoning it, they are abandoning their tales of battles, feasts, and boasting of future glory. Beowulf comes to purge the evil from the hall and restore Hrothgar and his men to their (and his) way of life. Throughout the story, Beowulf,s words and actions show us what is important in his society. The scop (storyteller) also goes into great detail about the Danes, and Geats, way of life as warriors.

For this assignment, you have three choices a creative modernization of the story; a relation of the story to the world at large; a relation of the story to your own personal dragons. Choose one of the following options.

Option 1: For this option you are to modernize the story of Beowulf, up to his defeat of Grendel. To do so, you will need to place Beowulf in modern times, of course. However, there aren't many guys running around in armor with swords these days. Beowulf will need a job. Heorot will become something important to today,s society. Grendel will be someone who threatens it. Beowulf will need to defeat him somehow. He does not have to kill Grendel in your story. Think of an interesting, funny, or just ordinary job. (Try to be creative. Grendel does not have to be a robber or a terrorist.)

An important aspect of Beowulf is the way in which it is told/written. The scop uses kennings, alliteration, and foreshadowing in telling his story. He also takes great care in describing Beowulf,s appearance as he readies for battle, as well as other parts of the story. These create a strong (and difficult) voice. For this assignment, you should use three kennings to refer to Beowulf, and what his responsibilities are, i.e. A cashier: "Beowulf, giver of change A cabbie: "Beowulf, driver of tourists (You may wish to be more serious, too. Pick whether you want to be serious of funny. It is your choice.) You should also describe what the modern-day Beowulf and Grendel look like. Does Beowulf still look like a warrior? Or like an ordinary guy?

Option 2: For this option, you are to write an analysis paper in which you explore how the story of Beowulf is reflected in the recent terrorist events. You may include other historical events as examples if you so choose. You must define our modern-day Beowulf, as well as our modern-day Grendel. How does this Grendel attack our way of life? What is central to our society? How are our values reflected in Beowulf and his actions? How might Beowulf defeat this Grendel? Are there relatives of Grendel lurking about waiting their turn to attack? This Beowulf does not have to kill this Grendel. What other outcomes might there be and are they acceptable?

In this paper, you must use quotes from the text of Beowulf and correlate them to the ideas in your paper. In other words, go back through the reading and find passages and events that seem to connect well with your ideas about the current issue and explain how each relates to your modern situation.

Option 3: For this option, you are to identify some of your own personal dragons. Analyze these dragons and your struggle with them, looking for similarities to the story of Beowulf. You are Beowulf. What are your values and how are they manifested? How do you fight your dragons? Are you able to defeat them as Beowulf defeats Grendel, or are there some that you continue to battle, unsure of the ultimate outcome? In what ways are your personal dragons like Grendel? Like Grendel,s mother?

In this paper, you must use quotes from the text of Beowulf and correlate them to the ideas in your paper. In other words, go back through the reading and find passages and events that seem to connect well with your personal struggles. Explain how each correlates to your personal struggles. Why can't/don't we defeat all of our dragons? Will they defeat us? Answer these questions in terms of your own personal experience.

*Activity from Cindy Hoffman at Tempe AZ

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Updated 10 July 2006.