Literature 12
Medieval Essay Assignment
Mr. Nelson
In order to help us keep the Medieval texts we have encountered in our brains, as well as get going on essay writing, we will begin with outlining a comparative essay. This assignment will go through the steps of preparing for writing an essay, BUT does not end with the actual writing of the essay. Often in University courses proposals are required for a research paper in which you outline your thesis, main points and sub-points, works cited, etc. This assignment will follow that model.
Your text book is a great resource for developing your essay outline topic. See pages 212-213 for a helpful (step by step) guide. *Keep in mind that you do not have to write a COMPLETE essay, so do not follow all the steps on these pages. I would suggest you stop at the section titled: ‘Review Style: Use transitions to link ideas’
Essay topics:
1. The topic outlined on the top of pg. 212.
2. Compare/contrast the hero or villain in “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” You may choose to focus on either their similarities or point out their differences.
3. Compare/ contrast the role of the ‘ideal hero’ in three of the texts we have
encountered. Does this role change? Explore/explain.
Due date: Your essay outlines are due on Tuesday, December 6th at the beginning of class. This outline is worth 25 marks. Marks will be based on the attached rating list.
Elements:
Your essay outline should be typed and must include the following:
0 A title
0 A thesis statement
0 An outline with at least three main points and sub-points
0 A minimum of two quotes for each main point. These should be quoted in MLA format and included in your sub-points.
0 A works cited page.
