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The Coexistence Of Good And Evil In Beowulf

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Beowulf, is a hundred year old epic poem by an unknown author. It was written down sometime during the 7th century, and is set during the Anglo-Saxon era. The piece follows a Geat named Beowulf, who journeys to Denmark in order to assist the Danes in vanquishing a terrifying monster. Beowulf battles the great monster, named Grendel, which results in the Beowulf ripping the creature’s arm off. However, peace is not sustained for long, because Beowulf must then fight Grendel’s mother, who attempts to avenge her son’s injury. Even after Beowulf defeats the mother, the town is plagued with more evil. A dragon rages on the Danes, however Beowulf counteracts this evil because he slays the fire breathing demon. Alas this is Beowulf’s final battle, as he dies …show more content…

J.R.R. Tolkien’s interpretation of the poem is the most relatable and logical perception of the reading because it explains the use of Christianity in Beowulf’s characters, the coexistence of good and evil in the storyline, and how understatements affect …show more content…

In Beowulf, the light is found in the mead hall. However, Tolkien also makes clear goodness can not exist without evil, and all outside forces want to destroy the happiness. He relates this to the building of the mead hall, and how its creation calls Grendel into existence. Human civilization (or heroic warriors) can be seen as “light,” and Grendel, who is the physical embodiment of darkness, is the evil trying to destroy mankind. Even after the evil is defeated, one can only hold back defeat from evil for so long because it always comes back. This concept is similar to the yin-yang, because you can not have one without the other. Tolkien’s interpretation is the addresses the coexistence of good and evil impeccably because he connects it directly to the plot, making it the prime connotation explained by

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