Essays and Research Papers on Medieval Literature

A 5 page paper which examines the characters’ attitudes toward their husbands, their positions in society, and their sons. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A five page paper looking at these two works in terms of their treatment of the concept of the “natural slave.” The paper concludes that if by “natural slave,” Aristotle meant that one’s fitness to rule or serve is based on one’s aristocratic or menial birth, Shakespeare would have disagreed with that. But he would ...

A 5 page paper which examines the way William Shakespeare initiates multiple resolutions in his comedy, 'Twelfth Night,' the order in which he chose to address them, evaluates the logic of this order as “pure” or “dramatic,” the status the harsh realities take in the plot resolution, and a determination as to whether or not ...

An eight page paper comparing Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and Shakespeare’s King Lear in terms of their development of the tragic hero. The paper concludes that the way Shakespeare has developed his hero also owes much to the influence of Sophocles and Greek tragedy. Bibliography lists seven sources.

This 5 page paper compares and contrasts these two infamous works. Common themes are discussed with an emphasis on death. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page overview of Shakespeare’s “Othello”, and an analysis of its place in Aristotle’s contention that the audience should feel pity for the tragic hero. The author of this paper categorizes “Othello” as a classic tragedy and enumerates the many reasons why Othello was both designed by Shakespeare to elicit audience sympathy and, ...

A 4 page essay that contrasts and compares the characters of Hamlet and Oedipus. Despite being separated by the passage of centuries, as well as differences in language and culture, Sophocles’ portrayal of Oedipus and Shakespeare’s depiction of Hamlet bear similarities, as well as the innumerable differences that one would expect. The similarities revolve around ...

A 5 page paper comparing Beowulf and Shakespeare's King Lear in terms of the protagonists' deaths at the end of their respective works of literature. The paper observes that Beowulf's overconfidence caused him to die precisely as he wanted -- a hero -- while Lear's vanity caused him to die a tragic and humbled ...

A 4 page review of these two contrasting works of literature, one by Shakespeare and one by modern author Louise Endrich. The author contends that despite their contrasts, each is a Christian tragedy.

A 6 page discussion of the historical background and circumstance which prompted Shakespeare to incorporate witches into his play. Contends that the use of witches as secondary characters in the play serves to emphasize not only the theme of the play but also to emphasize the importance of Macbeth himself. Bibliography lists 3 ...

A 3 page paper which examines how Chaucer’s “Wife of Bath” from Canterbury Tales and Shakespeare’s Hamlet summarize and illustrated Medieval thought. No additional sources cited.

This 11 page paper examines Shakespeare's classic work. It is claimed that Lady Macbeth's ambitions take center stage as her husband is psychologically manipulated into committing a murder for the gain of the throne. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

This 5 page paper argues that “The Arabian Nights” borrowed a great deal from other literary traditions, including Indian, Persian and other Asian sources; as well as classical Greek sources. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page paper about the Old English epic. The writer provides an overview of the story and then analyzes its importance to contemporary readers today. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper examining whether Beowulf is as much a Christian as he claims. There are numerous pagan references throughout the epic, including among them monsters, sorcery and drinking of blood. Had Beowulf been truly Christian in his convictions, he would have understood that he would have no need of treasure after ...

A 3 page essay in which the writer analytically presents Hrothgar as the most 'human' character in the epic 'Beowulf.' It is posited that while Hrothgar does indeed have all of the qualities necessary for greatness, he is the one character with whom we can most identify. Also examined is Hrothgar's relationship with Beowulf and ...

A 5 page paper comparing Beowulf, the oldest work in English literature, with an African epic, Sundiata. The paper concludes that the two works define heroism differently; while Beowulf is interested primarily in promoting himself as a valiant warrior, with Sundiata the emphasis is always on his people. Bibliography lists four sources.

A 5 page paper examining the way the anonymous authors of these two early works deal with the presence of women in their tales. The paper notes that in both cases, women function as forces of primal but somehow irrational passion that need to be 'smoothed over' and subjugated by men in order for ...

A 5 page paper that discusses the difference between the two heroes in these works. Beowulf and Gawain both represent the characteristics of heroes, but both demonstrate them in different ways. While Beowulf fights his battles to achieve fame and glory, Gawain battles the Green Knight in service to Arthur. There personal ...

A 6 page paper comparing the characters of Beowulf and Achilles (Greek mythology for Achilles). Shows basic similarities in their actions, but very different motivations. Bibliography lists a total of four sources (including the two primary ones).

This 10 page paper considers the issue of virtue as presented in the Old English version of the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and considers why the poet would have used a pagan symbol (the Green Knight) to show the nature of virtue from a Christian perspective. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

In 5 pages, the writer discusses conflicting and overlapping obligations of knighthood as present in Chaucer's The Knight's Tale and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

A 5 page paper comparing the views of honor and virtue in the three works: Sir Gaiwan and the Green Knight, The Canterbury Tales, and Henry IV Part 1. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper discussing how magic is employed in the two works. King Oberon uses the magical potions in order to effect his own short-term gain; Sir Gawain uses his as an aid in keeping himself pure as he desires to be. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page analysis of de Troyes' tale on the subject of how pure love leads to transformation of the individual—where Yvain and other characters are representatives of both the personal soul and the community soul. Bibliography lists 1 source.