In the story Beowulf, translated by Michael Alexander, Grendel and Beowulf are two characters that resemble good and evil in the book. Grendel, a descendant of Cain, is portrayed as a malevolent monster which causes malice throughout the city of Herot. Beowulf is a character that exemplifies great courage and strength in the face of danger. These two characters are quite diverse from each other and have two distinct characteristics in the story.
             Grendel depicts a true monster of evil that has no knowledge of good or evil: "Grendel was the name of this grim demon haunting the marches, marauding round the health and the desolate fens; he had dwelt for a time in misery among the banished monsters, Cin's clan, whom the creator had outlawed and condemned as outlawed and condemned as outcast" (54). Grendel's attacks on Herot tremendously hurt the people of the city in a psychological way and make their view of Grendel after dramatically. By attacking the city, Grendel's image grows and all the people of Herot become petrified at even hearing his name: "Peace was not in his mind towards any companion of the court of Hrothgar, the foud was not abated, the blood-price was unpaid" (55). Grendel's constant visits to Hrothgar's mead hall for bloody feasts made him feel powerful over God's humanity. Grendel feels powerful due to his ability of force and character of evil which he exemplifies so well. Grendel does not learn the true meaning of life because of his true malevolence which he holds deeply.
             Beowulf is the heroic figure in the poem who is known throughout the land as a fearless man who performs great deeds of heroism. The most valiant of traits within Beowulf is that he is not afraid to die because of his explanation about it before he goes off too war. He says, "And if death does take me, send the hammered mail of my armor to Higlac, return the inheritance I had from Hrehtel, a...