Test
Sample for the Morally Ambiguous Character Essay
Thesis: Though Beowulf posesses many of the virtues of Anglo-Saxon culture, his final acts call into question the very values he exemplifies.
Topic Sentence 1: In many ways, Beowulf’s character is an exemplar for the values of his people.
Topic Sentence 2: Despite upholding these values of courage and strength, Beowulf’s downfall demonstrates the potential dangers of pride.
Topic Sentence 3: The tension between Beowulf’s greatness and the depth of the fall of the Geats calls into question the values that they (and he) admire.
The Antigone essays are done. They are all posted here, so you can download your comments and grades. Revisions are due in class on Thursday.
These questions could possibly appear on the Classical Foundations exam. There will be a one-hour review session Monday night at 7 p.m. at Fireside Coffee. On the actual exam, there will be six questions, from which you will choose six to answer in well-developed paragraphs of 8-10 sentences.
1. Some critics feel that Beowulf is a text that glorifies the culture of the Norse, while others believe that it is a stern condemnation of their value structure. Make an argument that one of these ideas is correct, or argue for a nuanced middle ground.
2. Other than Antigone, which work best exemplifies the idea of catharsis? Why?
3. Discuss feminist criticism. What are its major objections with traditional literature?
4. Contrast the attitude towards pride demonstrated in The Iliad, The Ramayana, and Beowulf.
5. How does Beowulf illustrate the Norse concepts of Wyrd and lof?
6. How do the three parables we read illustrate the message of the New Testament?
7. The Qu’ran argues for submission to God, as does the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. Compare and contrast these messages.
8. How are the Greek concepts of arete and the Hindu concept of dharma similar? How do they differ?
9. Trace the development (historical and linguistic) of Old English from the origins of language in Poland. 🙂
10. Why is knowledge of the Bible essential to understanding of Western culture? Make an argument that provides at least one literary example.
11. Explain the significance of the argument in the Bhagavad Gita that one must reject over-reliance on the senses.
As you read Beowulf and work on your poems next week, you may find some useful resources in the Beowulf Reader Guide.