Posted: February 15th, 2023

Read and analyze Beowulf

Read and analyze Beowulf. Do not summarize story tell the meaning of the text.
Spring Semester 2023 Home Grades Syllabus Modules lAssignments Zoom
Tutor.com: 24/7 Online Tutoring
Unicheck
Module 5 I Journal Entry 5 – Beowulf
Due Feb 10 by 11:59pm Points 100 Submitting a text entry box or a file upload
Start Assignment
[-In Assignment: Journal Entry 5
Instructions
In this module, you were introduced to Beowulf, one of the most well known Anglo-Saxon epics. Reflect on the reading materials from this module with a focus on Beowulf as a text that fuses together the pre-Christian pagan world and Christian Europe, and elements of the Hero’s Journey–and where Beowulf might break away or adhere to that structure.
Submission and Assessment Guidelines
The entry should be 600-700 words long. Each entry will be graded out of a possible 100 points. A high-scoring entry will demonstrate that you have read the text; do not, however, spend precious time summarizing it. We’ve all read the same text, but you can offer something unique by putting forward your personal opinion. Remember, when it comes to literary analysis, an “opinion” needs to be advanced and defended through reference to specific details in the text. So, if a passage leaves you feeling a sense of awe, or a deep discomfort, dig below the surface and find out why. It is not enough simply to give your initial response without offering analysis and evidence. Have specific passages or lines that you can reference. It is important to show that you have considered the text as a whole. In other words, entries that only mention the first few pages are suspect.
In your entry you may want to look at the devices the author uses to develop character or plot; you may consider the author’s use of imagery, metaphor, allusion or ambiguity. You can also discuss the philosophical, ethical or spiritual implications of the work. First person—”I” and “me”—point of view is appropriate, and the response can be free-flowing, and structured as you see fit. You are encouraged to develop your own voice, and can even bring in outside ideas from the contemporary world, and show how they relate to the themes in the text. Do remember, of course, that this is an academic setting and the tone should be appropriate.
Journal Entries (4)
Criteria Ratings Pts
Understanding of text 25 pts 0 pts The student has clearly read the text and demonstrates an Full No understanding of the major developments in terms of plot, Marks Marks 25 pts character. theme and setting. The student touches on key ideas. but does not spend too much time summarizing.
Use of direct quotations/ close reading of the text 25 pts 0 pts The student uses either direct quotations from the text to help Full No demonstrate a position or make an argument, or makes very Marks Marks 25 pts close reference to specific details in the text. Full MLA citation is not required. but reference to lines or page number) is good.
Insightful analysis The student shows an ability to analyze themes, character development, and plot. The student understands how the section under consideration fits into the text more broadly speaking. and where appropriate incorporates cultural and/or historical insights to deepen the analysis. Where appropriate. the student may make connections to other subjects. ideas, trends. interests. etc. This is not required. but. when done correctly. can boost the post’s strength.
25 pts Opts Full No Marks Marks
25 pts
Grammar, syntax, spelling 25 pts 0 pts The journal entry should be free of spelling and grammatical Full No errors. An excellent post includes well-written sentences, and Marks Marks 25 pts well-organized paragraphs, in which ideas are presented in a logical sequence.
Total Points: 100
• Previous Next ►
===
Beowulf is an epic poem that fuses together the pre-Christian pagan world and Christian Europe, and elements of the Hero’s Journey. The poem is a story about a hero, Beowulf, who battles three monsters to save his people. As a literary work, Beowulf is notable for its use of allusions, metaphors, and ambiguity to convey its message.

One of the most interesting aspects of Beowulf is the way in which it blends the pre-Christian pagan world with the Christian world. Beowulf, the hero, is a pagan who is called upon to protect the Christian people. The poem reflects the tension between these two belief systems and the attempt to reconcile them. Beowulf’s battles with the monsters can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian struggle against evil. At the same time, the poem also acknowledges the power of the pagan gods and their influence on the world.

Another important element of Beowulf is the Hero’s Journey. The Hero’s Journey is a narrative structure that is common in many myths and epic tales. It involves a hero leaving their ordinary world, facing trials and challenges, and returning to their world transformed. Beowulf’s journey follows this structure closely. He leaves his home in Geatland to help the Danes, faces three great monsters, and returns home a hero.

However, while Beowulf follows the basic structure of the Hero’s Journey, it also deviates from it in significant ways. For example, the hero does not experience a clear transformation at the end of the poem. He dies after defeating the dragon, and while his deeds are celebrated, there is no sense that he has undergone a personal transformation. Additionally, while the Hero’s Journey is often associated with individual heroism, Beowulf’s success is ultimately due to the collective effort of his people.

In conclusion, Beowulf is a complex work that blends together the pre-Christian pagan world and Christian Europe, and the Hero’s Journey. It reflects the tension between these two belief systems and attempts to reconcile them. While it follows the basic structure of the Hero’s Journey, it also deviates from it in significant ways. The poem uses allusions, metaphors, and ambiguity to convey its message, making it a rich and rewarding work to study and analyze.