What is a good essay topic that will explain the heroic story of Beowulf?

Consider as well, instead of identifying the details of an epic hero, identifying the details of an epic and developing an essay in which you explain how Beowulf fits the definition of an epic.

The definition of an epic can be found here: 

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_poetry

You could make a critical essay in which you explain why Beowulf is a good epic hero or why he is an unsuccessful hero.