Dear all,


Here are some ideas that might help you decide what topic to choose for your presentations, but you may very well decide to focus on other issues that are not mentioned in the examples below..


About Beowulf:


1. Discuss the heroic character of Beowulf.

2. Paganism versus Christianity: references to the bible in Beowulf.

3. The importance of the anglo-saxon epic poem for English Literature



About Chaucer:


1. Chaucer has been called the father of English poetry, why?

2. Discuss the poem "Truth". In your opinion, what makes it so contemporary?


3. Discuss the importance of "The Canterbury Tales" in the example of the "The Wife of Bath". Telling the story of laymen and their free will seems to have been an issue of major concern for Chaucer. Why?



About E. Spenser:


1. The Faery Queene: an allegorical poem in favour of Queen Elizabeth.

2. The introductory letter sent to Sir Walter Raleigh: its strategic importance.




About Shakespeare:


1. The Merchant of Venice: racism? Otherness? other issues?

2. The Tempest: colonialism, freedom, etc.



Instructions:

1. The presentation should last between 7 and 10 minutes. It should include an introduction and a clear outline of what you will present. You may use pictures, videos, etc.

2. Include examples and refer to how you would use the work you will present in an English class.

3. Include contextual facts where appropriate, refer to other authors if you deem it necessary.

The marking criteria will be presented to you on Wednesday.
See you then,
Claudia