Masculinity as Constructed in the Epics of Gilgamesh and Beowulf Essay

Choose two of the texts listed below and write an essay in which you explore the way these two texts address a theme of your choosing.

• The Hebrew Bible
• Confucius, Analects
• The Bhagadvad-Gita
• The Qur’an
• The Epic of Gilgamesh
• The Iliad
• Beowulf
• Marie de France, Lais
• Augustine, Confessions       

You may select any one of the themes below :

• Obedience
• Friendship
• Desire
• Rage
• Female characters and femininity
• Male characters and masculinity
• War
• Death

Tips for Getting Started:

1. Once you have made your selections above, you must examine the texts to arrive at a thesis, which will be your statement about what you think these works suggest about your theme.
2. Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that pertains to your thesis.
3. Each body paragraph should include quotations from both texts.
4. In your interpretation and work with these quotations, you should aim to show how these texts achieve what you have claimed is their comment on your theme.
5. Quote the text directly and draw out meaning by paying close attention to wording, images, metaphors, dialogue, or characterization. You do need to address all of these things. I simply offer them as a few valuable approaches.
6. Offer a title that encapsulates your argument.