Foundational texts of British Literature

Topic 1: Anglo-Saxon Literature: Poems, Genres, And Culture 

1.Topic 1 DQ 1 Where specifically in “Beowulf” do you see the hero demonstrate elements of the ideal warrior/king (reference line numbers in the poem)?

 2.Topic 1 DQ 2 How is the episode in which Beowulf fights the dragon at the end of his life different than the episode in which he fights Grendel and Grendel’s mother? How does this affect a reader’s sense of Beowulf as an epic hero? 

Topic 2: Middle English Literature: Important Texts In Poetry And Drama 

3.Topic 2 DQ 1 In the General Prologue to “The Canterbury Tales,” what do you think Chaucer is saying about why the pilgrims are taking their journey (look for specific statements or figures of speech that seem to give clues to Chaucer’s feelings)? Pick one pilgrim who is described in detail, and interpret Chaucer’s feelings about that person. Does he approve or disapprove of him or her? What in the text makes you feel as you do? 

4.Topic 2 DQ 2 Discuss three characters in the play “Everyman.” What do they stand for? How can you tell? What is the moral that the reader should understand from the way that the character behaves?