Beowulf Projects
The following is a list of options for your projects. You must select a project no later than Tuesday,
September 20th. We will work on these projects in class on Wednesday & Thursday. They will be due
on Friday, September 23rd. You must be prepared to present on that day.
Movie Heroes
Find a modern film that lines up with the stages of heroism in the "Beowulf" tale. Then, give an oral
presentation with a visual aid such as PowerPoint, posters or maps. Be sure to compare the poem
with the film as closely as possible.
Model of Herot
Herot was the gathering place and mead hall for the characters in the story, and the site of the
monster Grendel's attack. Create a map, floor plan or 3-D model of what Herot would look like. Be
sure to use any hidden clues in the story that will assist you in the construction of this project.
"Beowulf" Comic Project
Create and pitch a comic book that follows the tradition of the "Beowulf" story, using the good vs.
evil theme as well as the process a hero goes through to become a hero and legend. Explain to the
classroom why your comic book would be the best way to present an Anglo-Saxon epic poem.
Re-Enactment
Re-enact scenes from "Beowulf" in a skit. You can choose to take the script right from the text or use
your own words.
Hero Recommendation
Construct a letter recommending Beowulf as an epic monster-slayer and hero. Use standard letter
format, but use some of the literary devices found during the Anglo-Saxon period.
Journal
Tell the story of the battle in Beowulf ’s own words in a journal entry or television or newspaper
interview. Be sure to include Beowulf ’s feelings about watching the Geat near him die, how he felt
during the fight, a blow-by-blow description of the battle, and how he felt about not being able to
kill Grendel.
Schell | British Literature (H) | Maclay School Fall 2011
Feast Re-Enactment
Research medieval foods on the Internet and/or the library and re-enact the feast at Herot.
Viking Ship
Research Viking ships and create a representation (drawing, painting or model) of the Geats’ ship.
Newspaper
Create a newspaper outlining the major events in Beowulf. Write articles and include appropriate
pictures (hand or computer-drawn, cut from magazines or newspapers, or found on the Internet). In
addition to major articles, include typical newspaper features like editorials, obituaries,
advertisements, and comics.
Web site
Create a web site for Beowulf. Include such things as images of the characters as you envision them,
a summary page, a commentary page, and a Beowulf links page.
Scrapbook
Compile a scrapbook based on Beowulf. Write captions explaining each item included, which should
be items that the characters might have saved or which somehow identify the characters.
Suggested items include pictures, personal articles, and other physical objects. A twist on this idea is
to create a Beowulf time capsule.
Art
Create an artistic expression of a character, scene, or symbol in Beowulf. Artistic expressions may
include paintings, drawings, papier-mâché, and costume sketches.
Collage
Create a collage of images and/or quotations from Beowulf that somehow demonstrate the book’s
theme or message. Include an explanation for each image and/or quotation that appears on the
collage — why it was included and its significance to the book.