Beowulf Analysis

In the epic poem Beowulf, there is an obvious distinction between good and evil. The hero and his foes play roles that are commonly associated with Anglo-Saxon literature. The lines are clearly drawn and expressed in the poem. As the story moves, the reader cannot mistake the roles being played, based on the characterizations in the epic, one recognizes each character for their purpose and place.

“No better king had ever lived, no prince so mild, no man so open to his people, so deserving of praise.” This is an ultimate description of the heroic events of Beowulf, an old Anglo-Saxon poem about a warrior who battles and destroys three horrifying monsters. Although written long ago, the emotions expressed within this work, emotions of bravery, valor, and ethics still speak to us centuries later. The anonymous author of the poem convinces us through the masterful use of various literary elements that emphasize its meaning and message. Conflict, imagery and setting are three literary elements that contribute to the effectiveness of the poem.

“There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil.” – Ayn Rand. To fully understand the complex world and culture of the Anglo-Saxons, one must examine the only form of historical evidence available – texts. One particular great work from this time period is often underrated and overshadowed in modern society by many other ancient works such as Iliad or Oedipus Rex. The epic poem, Beowulf, was sung by multiple unknown Anglo-Saxon poets four centuries before the Norman Conquest. The theme of good versus evil was constantly reappearing throughout the storyline, the portrayal of evil and its downfall initially shaped the poem’s plot, and illustrates an alien presence; something that

Through analysis of the text Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel, it is questionable of whether or not Beowulf is good or evil. Based on his actions, intentions and motivations behind his actions, and the way culture shapes him, it is clear that he is, in fact, an evil character. Beowulf is a dishonorable character who is self-absorbed and only saves the people of Herot for fame and wealth.

Beowulf is a man who desires to help the kingdoms around him with monsters they face. He has fought with sea monsters, ending their reign in the seas with ease, and he has taken on the task of ending Grendel’s rule over Herot, the mead-hall that belongs to an ally kingdom. He has taken on these challenges for the sake of helping the kingdom, however, at the end of chapter twenty-one it is said that, “Only Beowulf would risk his life in that lake; Unferth was afraid, gave up that chance to work wonders and win glory and a hero’s fame,” (Burton 64), hinting that he has also done it for the glory and treasure he will get in payment for his deeds. In chapter

Beowulf is an epic Anglo-Saxon poem, which tells a story of a hero who is destined to defeat several monsters in order to save a kingdom from peril. The underlying meaning is good versus evil with good always prevailing in the end. The theme of good versus evil was portrayed through the characters and events. Beowulf is the good guy fighting against evil. Beowulf is not just one person fighting against the evils of the world. In many cases, he is fighting for humanity’s sake.

Beowulf exhibits many obvious heroic qualities, such as his strength and confidence in battle. These along with more subtle diplomatic actions serve to define him as both a great warrior and leader.

In the epic poem, Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, it is said, "Behavior that's admired is the path to power among people" (Beowulf 5). That being stated, it is very apparent throughout the entirety of the story. The main character, Beowulf, quickly comes to a position of power once defeating multiple atrocities and executing numerous heroic deeds. The people in the city admire Beowulf and abide to his ways; but once offered kingship, he declines. Throughout the epic poem, it is obvious that Beowulf would rather be a hero than a king because of the individual representation that comes with it, the rewards, and the self-reliant aspect.

The poem of Beowulf is supposedly about stories of dreams and legends, of monsters and of god-fashioned weapons. This poem gives a great example of good versus evil, basically between Christianity versus paganism comparisons. Beowulf gives much heroism by being brave, confident, and being bold to anybody who he meets; besides to his enemies. Beowulf knows that it pays to be loyal to good people, especially to the people who he saves. However, the man-eating monster named Grendel is described as a demon, a fiend, and just pure evil.

Most teachers emphasize that a well-written character in a story should be deep, believable, and human, with flaws and personality. Then, say that Beowulf, a poem about a man who is as deep as a sheet of paper, is a masterpiece. While the poem Beowulf is one of the most important and influential pieces of literature in the world, Beowulf himself is a poorly written character when compared to characters of today’s standards.

Introduction! During Beowulf there were a lot of times when there was a thought process. Beowulf had a big weight over his shoulders of killing the beast (Grendel) of 25 years. Beowulf didn’t end up killing the beast, but he psychologically made the beast regret ever coming back.

Beowulf is an heroic story which has conflict with good and evil That show violence and morality. The symbol that represent good in beowulf. Beowulf show himself as a purity and light Beowulf action show his evil side by defeat a ferocious monster in order to save a kingdom from destruction and death. Beowulf battle with being mean which mean “ Strong, Generous and proud, he try to be the perfect hero because of his life begun as a foundling an infant abandoned by his parents Beowulf have taking upon himself by doing good deeds that will perform to help his countries in need.

Beowulf is used as a model for most modern stories that involve the theme of good vs evil. His story was one of the first to be told over and over, by an abundance of people. Ever since it was created, the poem has been a reference for writers for their battle scenes. Along with the stories being told now Beowulf fought more than one enemy during his time. Throughout the epic, Beowulf’s opponents become extra complicated, and therefore he must change his strategies to match up.

The story of Beowulf involves a man who accomplishes many unbelievable feats. These feats help to save the Danes from evil beasts. The idea of good and evil opposing one another has been a topic for discussion since man’s existence. This idea is seen all around us in movies (Superheroes vs Villains), the world (ISIS), and religion (God is good, Satan is evil). The story of Beowulf is has the theme of good versus evil imbedded into it also. Beowulf is an Old English epic that has many conflicts between its characters, these conflicts between the characters give the theme of good versus evil in the epic. The conflicts are more than just man versus self or man verves man. The conflicts are man versus evil, as Beowulf is a man who is defending humanity from the beasts of hell. Beowulf along with the rest of humanity is seen as the “good”, whereas the monsters are seen as the “evil”. Beowulf unlike other famous warriors did not fight for his country against others like Achilles, he instead fought against hellish monsters for the sake of man. There are symbols in the epic that represent good, Beowulf himself is a symbol for good. There are outside sources that influence the conflict as well, The Bible’s story of Cain influences the readers to determine his spawns to be evil, as he was. Throughout the novel one theme is extremely clear the theme of good versus evil, it is seen

In Beowulf, the conflict between good and evil is the poem 's main and most important aspect. The poet makes it clear that good and evil doesn’t exist as only opposites, but that both qualities are present in everyone. Beowulf represents the ability to do good or to perform acts selflessly and in help of others. Goodness is also showed throughout this epic as having the ability to cleanse evil. Even though evil is presented by Grendel, Grendel 's mother, and the dragon, who are filled 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 exists. This story might even be considered a classic because it mainly talks about the old fashion