Beowulf - Good VS. Evil
In Beowulf, the conflict between good and evil is the poem's main andmost important aspect. The poet makes it clear that good and evil do notexist as only opposites, but that both qualities are presentin everyone. Beowulf represents the ability to do good, or to performacts selflessly and in help of others. Goodness is also showedthroughout this epic as having the ability to cleanse evil. Even though evilis presented by Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon, who arefilled with a desire to act against people and ultimately destroy them.Even pride, a human quality, is presented in Beowulf as a sign that evil Beowulf takes it upon himself to announce several great deeds that he will perform to help countries in need. One of these deeds is his offer to KingHrothgar, in which he proposes to slay Grendel. Beowulf states,"Single-handed I'll settle the strife!" In this statement,Beowulf is simply stating that he will kill this evil creature,Grendel. Another selfless act Beowulf states is that he will slayGrendel's mother. Beowulf declares, "And I give you pledge, She(Grendel's mother) shall not in safety escape to co
Furthermore Beowulf announces that he will rid Herot of evil. Goodness is not only portrayed by selfless acts, but also by it's abilityto purge and cleanse evil. Beowulfsays, "That I may alone with my loyal earls, with this hardlycompany, cleanse Hart-Hall. Goodrepresented by both selfless acts completed by Beowulf as well as itsability to cleanse evil. The poet describes her as "a monstrous hag," giving the idea that she, like her son, represents evil. Hrothgar gives Beowulf along lecture warning him about the dangers of pride. Hrothgar adds, "Since God has grantedhim glory and wealth he forgets the future, unmindful of Fate. In Beowulf, pride is presented as an evil, with fatalconsequences. "(The dragon) Burned the bright dwellings-theglow of the blaze filled hearts with horror," the poet states. Grendel enjoyed killing these spearmen, making himBeowulf's first evil creature. Evil is represented in Beowulf partly through the creatures in it. He says,"And evil assails not-until in his heart Pride overpowering gathersand grows. " The gooddone by Beowulf is shown to have the ability to cleanse Herot of evil. Evilis first shown by the monster Grendel.
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Acceptance Essays
