How does the literature reflect the evolution of the hero-like character of the time period?

1. Be sure to use the poem “Beowulf” as a reference where you can quote from. He is hero-like. The time period is the Middle Ages
2. Your thesis should answer the question “How do you (as yourself, an intelligent reader) see the literature written during that particular time period reflecting X (where X is your topic question selected from above (1))?”

3. In each of your papers, you must answer your chosen question by analyzing and making specific reference to any two of the assigned readings that we have done for that particular period of study. Please note that “specific reference” means that you should integrate quotes from specific passages to support your interpretation– not just “Chaucer says a lot about men treating women badly” but something like “When Chaucer’s Wife of Bath says that “Experience, through noon auctoritee/ Were in this world, Is right ynough for me/ To speke of wo that is in marriage‟ she announces to the world her rebellion against a society that saw women as inferior to men” (Damrosch col.1:287). The more specific you can be about the works you are analyzing and reflecting upon, usually the better the quality of your paper.

4. You may choose which literary works you wish to discuss from those we have read from that historical period. You may also wish to include works outside of our assigned readings in your reflection, though it is not required. You should discuss in some detail at least two pieces of literature from each time period, though you certainly can analyze more than two pieces of literature if you wish. At least two quotes should be used to support your analysis from each of the two pieces of literature.

5. Your reflection should demonstrate that you understand and can connect literary works to key historical events, concepts, and movements of the time.

6. Your primary focus of this essay should be your own reflection on how the British literature you have selected reflect an answer to your chosen theme question. You are free to use secondary sources in support of your reflection but material must be properly documented. Throughout the course, please ask me if you are unsure about whether you should document a source, or how to document a source.

7. Each paper should demonstrate your comprehension of the history of the time period and how that history influenced the portrayal of your chosen theme question in the literature. Throughout the course, assignments will be provided to share ideas with peers and to generate writing ideas. It is highly recommended that you use these assignments effectively by making sure you are reading classmates’ responses to discussion questions.