Cranston High School West Library: Bianco - Grendel 20/21

       Is Grendel Evil?

Assignment:  While reading the novel Grendel, we have discussed several concepts in class: Good vs.Evil, Perception vs. Identity, and Nature vs. Nurture.  Now it is time write your own essay, in which you will answer the essential question:  

Is Grendel Evil?  Why or why not?  What makes him evil?

Remember the class generated definition of EVIL.

Present any or all of the concepts and discuss how it relates to Grendel.

 

Authors throughout the ages have questioned what creates individual identity.  Some theorize that identity is innate, others that society creates our identity. Exploring the significant characters in Grendel, consider the factors that contribute to his identity.  How does this portrayal help create a person as evil?  

1. How does Gardner portray the role of fate in the life of Grendel?  How much is he in control of his own destiny?  How does this contribute to his identity?
2. To what degree is the character portrayed as innately good or innately evil?  How does this contribute to his identity?
3. What role do reading and education play in the formation of character/identity?  (Nature vs. Nurture)  What are the ramifications of self education vs. parenting?  How does this relate to the idea of character/identity?
4. What role does society play in the formation of identity?  What about isolation? Loneliness?
5. How does a character’s appearance affect his identity? 

 

One of the strongest human drives seems to be a desire for power. How does Grendel free himself from the power of others or seek to gain power over others. How does the author use this power struggle to enhance the meaning of the work.

• How does Grendel assert his power over Unferth and the Danes?  What motivates him?​

Thesis and Topics

Remember a good research paper:

• Argues that your perspective-an interpretation, and evaluative judgment, or a critical evaluation is a valid one.

• Has a debatable thesis

• By presenting facts and opinions from both primary and secondary resources in the paper, the reader should gain a new point of view or see information in a new light.

 

I. Step one: Synthesis of Thesis and Topics

Clearly type the following:

• The first draft of the paper’s introduction

• Your reworked thesis statement, underlined

• Each of your supporting ideas

These may be listed in bullet form.  The more specific you are the easier it will be to write your paper.

The grade you receive on this portion of the research paper is not reflected in the final paper’s grade.

II. Step two: Analysis of a Primary Source  (Grendel)

A. Primary Source

Choose six quotations from the text that display some aspect or point related to your thesis.  These can be descriptions; events and/or changes displayed or commented on by the narrator, other characters, etc. 

Number six quotations in a Google doc with your introduction and thesis underlined along with an explanation of what the quotation means in context of the work. It is important to explain what the quote means, then how it will be used in relation to your topic and support of thesis.

The grade you receive on this portion of the research paper is not reflected in the final paper’s grade.

III. Step three: Analysis of a Secondary Source

On days scheduled for library research or from home, look for books and articles from approved sources on this page. From these sources, find the reliable sources that you feel comfortable reading and do not have trouble understanding. 

Please use MyBib as a resource for creating your Works Cited page.

* Minimum number of sources to be used for research: 6 different sources

• You may use the two (2) - outside sources provided by teacher (Gardner’s Letter and Evil Essay). Only one quote from each source.
• The remainder must be from the approved book and database sources 

For each source, you may also choose one quote/textual support that display some aspect or points related to your topic./thesis

Number six quotations in a Google doc with your introduction and thesis underlined along with an explanation of the relevance to the topic.  You must include the bibliographical information, in other words, where did you get the information from.  Be specific writing the information down and in MLA format.  This step will help for your works cited page. 

 Again, it is important to explain what the quote means and how it will be used in relation to your topic and thesis.

The grade you receive on this portion of the research paper is not reflected in the final paper’s grade.

IV. Step four

Create an outline (quarterly assessment/common task) from all the resources as a way to help organize your paper. (Test grade)

V. Step Five: Draft copy of research paper

In class peer edit session.   (Homework and Class work grades)

VI. Step Six Writing your research paper:

MLA Format followed, Works Cited Page

Rubric- must be handed in with research paper.

To cite the primary source in MyBib:

1. Click on "Create Citation"
2. Click on "Book"
3. Enter the ISBN number = 9780394471433
4. Click on the Grendel book that appears
5. Click "Save."

 

Login = cran_log    

 

Watch the video below to review how to search the databases

and how to cite the sources.