Name_________________________________________

Period ____

AP English

Ms. Thompson

In class this week, you will be reading Beowulf. For homework, you will write an Anglo-Saxon style poem (in modern English) on one of two topics: an elegiac lyric poem or a narrative poem about a battle or struggle.

Your poem must be at least 25 lines and contain the following:

• a caesura in every line
• four strong stresses (more or less) per line, two on each side of the caesura
• at least three examples of enjambment
• at least one kenning
• alliteration wherever possible (try to have at least 2 alliterative words per line)

If using this form is difficult for you, try choosing the topic and freewriting first; then go back and make your ideas fit the form.

A rough draft of your poem is due on Wednesday; a revision is due on the Ex day. You will turn in both rough and final drafts. This assignment is worth a quiz grade (30 points).