Here are five ideas to get you started.

1. Examine Beowulf as part of the epic poem genre. An epic poem is a long poem that tells the story of a hero’s journey, generally through battles with supernatural beings.
2. Compare the poem Beowulf to other interpretations.
3. Importance of point of view.
4. Theme.
5. Symbolism.

Beowulf, a Geat, is the hero; extraordinary swimmer & warrior. He comes to defend the Danes & King Hrothgar against monsters. His father Ecgtheow owed the Danish king because he had raised blood money for him. Beowulf repays the debt by slaying Grendel & his mother.

Beowulf is a poem about a knight that hears of a monster terrorizing King Hrothgar’s land. Beowulf travels there to take on the monster named Grendel. He successfully kills Grendel and is praised for doing so. Grendel’s mother is enraged by her son’s death and kills one Aeschere.

Thesis Statement: Beowulf attempts to gain glory throughout his life. The role of women was vastly different throughout history than it is today. Prove this from the poem.

He is a true hero by honoring his country and exerting his power and strength to protect others. Beowulf embodies the qualities of bravery, being powerful, and demonstrating his honor; therefore, he can be considered a true hero.

Stages in a thesis introduction

1. state the general topic and give some background.
2. provide a review of the literature related to the topic.
3. define the terms and scope of the topic.
4. outline the current situation.
5. evaluate the current situation (advantages/ disadvantages) and identify the gap.

A standard thesis statement has three main components: a narrowly defined topic, a claim and reasons that support the claim. If you want a strong thesis statement, you need to make sure that all three of these points are included in it.

2. The Statement is Too Complicated. Making a statement that is too long or wordy generally confuses your reader. It also weakens the argument you are trying to make.

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

1. A strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand. Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject.
2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.
3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.
4. A strong thesis statement is specific.

A good thesis statement will not contain specific details, but it should not feel too general either. For example, you do not want to say, “People go hungry without food to eat.” This is not a thesis, but rather a general fact that does not help the reader understand the position you will take on the topic.

• Thesis statements should not be more than one sentence long.
• Thesis statements should not be questions.
• Thesis statements should not state mere facts.
• Thesis statements should not be too broad.
• Thesis statements should not be too narrow.
• Thesis statements should not be announcements of what you will do.