1. Beowulf Essay Topics
Eng 12

2. Topic 1
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?

3. Topic 2
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 today’s society?

4. Topic 3
Monsters of Beowulf. Consider the qualities of the three monsters. Why does the poet give Grendel and his mother human qualities? What do each of their homes say about them as foes for Beowulf?

5. Topic 4
Good vs. Evil. How are the concepts of good and evil presented in Beowulf? Does this reveal anything about Anglo-Saxon society?

6. Topic 5
Mortality. What role does the concept of mortality play in Beowulf?

7. Topic 6
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?

8. Topic 7
Jesus vs. Beowulf. Look at Beowulf as a sort of Christ figure. What are the similarities? How are they both heroic in nature?

9. Topic 8
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.

10. Topic 9
How does treasure function in Beowulf? How do the characters and the poet seem to feel about the element of gold, as it appears throughout the poem? How does money affect society today?

11. Topic 10
In Beowulf what are the consequences of seeking revenge? What other ways might problems be worked out?

12. Topics 11-12
Write an essay describing the importance of reputation to the characters in Beowulf, using examples from the text
Write an essay in which you analyze the importance of one of Beowulf ’s symbols—Herot, Grendel (especially his claw and head), the lair of Grendel and his mother, or the dragon’s hoard.