Good and Evil in Beowulf

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Good and Evil in Beowulf

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 do not

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.

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 King

Hrothgar, 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 slay

Grendel's mother. Beowulf declares, "And I give you pledge, She

(Grendel's mother) shall not in safety escape to cover." Beowulf

promises to see to it that Grendel's mother will be killed. After Beowulf

becomes king in Geatland, he shows his great ability once more by

pledging to kill the fire-dragon. "The ring-prince scorned to

assault the dragon," the poet said. Beowulf is said to have pled...

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