Question for September 2, Beowulf (72-100)

This last section of Beowulf is darker than the first two sections, and is filled with foreshadowing. Select and discuss one event that represents a decline in the fortunes of Beowulf and/or the Geats. What causes the event you selected? As always, refer to at least one specific passage in the poem to support your answer and build on the comment of one other student.

Question for August 31 (Beowulf, 61-72)

Discuss the religious and/or supernatural elements of Beowulf's battle with Grendel's mother. Is the outcome of the battle determined by God, fate, or Beowulf's own actions? Explain your answer, using at least one quotation from the poem.

Question for August 29, Beowulf (47-61)

Is Beowulf a braggart? That is, does he boast too much about what he has done and can do? Discuss, referencing today's reading and the comments of at least one other student. (The first student to post a comment obviously does not reference another student comment.)

Welcome to English 205 (8:00 MWF)

Welcome to English 205. This is our class blog for EN205-007. Each week I will post three questions about the assigned reading. You will post a comment on one of these questions. Only twelve students may comment on each question, so if you find a post with twelve student comments already posted, go to one of the other two questions for that week. Your posts will normally need to be 250 to 300 words long, and must include a quotation from the assigned text. Additionally, you must reference and build upon a comment made by another student on the same question. For today, though, just comment on one of the following questions in a sentence or two in using the pseudonym (blog name) you've selected. Do not use your real name or include anything in your pseudonym by which other students can identify you (no geographic origin, club membership, sports affiliation, hobbies, etc.). Remember--your blog name is a secret!

The questions: 1. Who is your favorite British writer, and why? 2. Have you read Beowulf before? In a sentence, what was your impression of it? 3. Which period of English history interests you the most (or least)? Post your comments before class on Monday. (One or two sentences in answer to one of the questions. The purpose this week is to be sure you've found the blog and created your blog name.)