Background on Shakespeare

http://www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk/soawsbed.htm
http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/default.htm

Loyalty and honor, then and now.

Loyalty and honor, then and now.

The values of loyalty and honor lay at the heart of the feudal system. The king demanded loyalty from his barons, and these lords expected loyalty from their vassals, knights, and serfs. In turn, those who honorable met their obligation expected certain rewards and protections. Have loyalty and honor remained as important in today's society? To what and whom are people loyal today? What codes of honor do we live by today? Write a brief response to these questions about loyalty and honor then and now.

Gilgamesh

How does Humbaba compare with the monster figures in the Beowulf epic?

Beowulf, the Text. Translated by Seamus Heaney

Grendel

Analyze the monster Grendel. Focus on the character's nature. Begin with a sentence stating your general assessment of Grendel as a character. Then, support your assessment with details from the epic.