Write on one of the following topics:
Topic 1:
How do the roles of reason and belief change from ancient times through the Middle Ages?
Support your view with discussion of both historical material and at least two primary texts from the Norton Anthology covered in class.
Topic 2:
How does the evolution of the hero figure relate to social, political, and/or cultural changes?
Discuss how Beowulf compares to two other heroes from different time periods (ancient, Greek, Roman, middle ages) covered in class.
How are these heroes different? How are they specifically tied to their historical context? Which heroes are more alike? Different?