MLA STYLE SAMPLE RESEARCH PAPER

[EditaPaper.com]

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a widely used citation and formatting style for academic writing in the humanities, especially in the field of language and literature. Here is an example of a research paper in MLA style:


Title: "The Role of Women in Beowulf"

Author: Jane Doe

Abstract:

This paper aims to explore the role of women in the Old English epic poem Beowulf. Through a close reading of the text, this research examines the portrayal of women in the poem and their relationship to the male characters. The paper also considers the broader cultural context of the Anglo-Saxon society in which Beowulf was composed.

Introduction:

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that has been widely studied and analyzed by scholars and literary critics. The poem tells the story of the hero Beowulf and his battles with various monsters and dragons, including the famous battle with the dragon in the final part of the poem. While the poem is primarily focused on the adventures of Beowulf and the male characters, it also includes several female characters who play important roles in the story.

Body:

One of the key female characters in Beowulf is Wealhtheow, the queen of the Danes. Wealhtheow appears in several scenes in the poem, often in the hall of the Danish king, where she serves as hostess and offers gifts to the warriors. In this role, Wealhtheow is a symbol of hospitality and generosity, and she is respected and admired by the male characters. However, Wealhtheow is also a powerful political figure, and she uses her position to influence the decisions of her husband, the king, and to promote peace between the Danes and the Geats.

Another important female character in Beowulf is Grendel's mother, who is portrayed as a monstrous and evil figure. Grendel's mother seeks revenge against Beowulf for killing her son, and she attacks the hall of the Danish king. In this encounter, Beowulf is able to defeat Grendel's mother, but not before she mortally wounds him. The portrayal of Grendel's mother as a fierce and powerful monster challenges the traditional gender roles of the Anglo-Saxon society, and suggests that women can be just as strong and capable as men.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the women in Beowulf play a variety of important roles in the poem. From the generous and hospitable queen Wealhtheow to the monstrous and powerful Grendel's mother, the female characters in the poem demonstrate that women can be strong, capable, and influential in Anglo-Saxon society. The portrayal of these women in Beowulf offers a unique insight into the lives and roles of women in this historical period.


References:

Beowulf. Translated by Seamus Heaney. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2000.

Klein, William. "The Role of Women in Beowulf." Literary Analysis, vol. 6, no. 2, 2012, pp. 1-5.

Lanier, Dorsey. "Beowulf and the Feminine Ideal." Medieval Studies, vol. 44, no. 1, 1982, pp. 53-64.

Turville-Petre, E.O.G. "Women in Beowulf." Folklore, vol. 80, no. 1, 1969, pp. 86-90.