2. Explore Your Topic

After thoroughly examining your assignment, now it's time to look for some initial background research on your topic. Check out the resource below to learn more about your topic.

Epics for Students
Call Number: E-book & Giles Ref. PN56 .E65 E67 2011
ISBN: 9781414476216
Publication Date: 2010-11-02
Epics for Students is a great place to start! Learn more about the story's characters, themes, style, setting, symbols and more! This source also contains several literary criticism essays.

Analyzing Beowulf

The Facts on File Guide to Writing a Literary Essay by Infobase Learning
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9781438177175
Publication Date: 2017-05-01
The Facts of File Guide to Writing a Literary Essay is an excellent resource to use to learn a little more about how to write literary essays on themes, characters, symbolism, imagery, historical context, and more.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Describe the functions and roles of treasure (reward, gift, status symbol, adornment, hoard). Evaluate how various characters in Beowulf value treasure.
Compare and contrast Christian and pagan elements within Beowulf.
Judge Beowulf as a true hero based on the heroic code of the time or as a proud, boastful, and arrogant character.
Compare and contrast the themes of alienation and community in Beowulf.
Describe the ideals cherished by the Viking culture, and evaluate how Beowulf's actions epitomize these values.