In Beowulf, both pagan and Christian elements are present which add religious contrast to the poem. The poem begins with the king, Hrothgar, taking the throne of the Danes. During his reign, one of Hrothgars’ accomplishments included the building of the great Mead hall which served as a place of relaxation for his troops. Years passed and an evil monster came and terrorized the Hall. Then the great warrior, Beowulf, a foreigner offered to help rid the town of the monster. In the end, good triumphed over evil as he defeated the monster and returned the city to it’s people. Present in this poem are certain forms of evil. The greatest of these is the descendent of Cain’s evil against his brother Abel. After Cain killed Abel God punished him by exiling him from the kingdom of God. From Cain’s soul came evil monsters, one in particular, Grendel. He was a demon; a fiend who haunted the moors,
. . . Instead of greeting Beowulf with gratefulness he greeted him with jealousy.
After the failure of paganism Hrothgar searched for warriors that could defeat the beast. The people turned to the worship of pagan Gods, hoping they would take the demon back to the pits from whence it derived. Grendel, amused by the sound of drunkenness coming from the hall, kills all who reside there.
Throughout the poem good clashes with evil. In the end good over came evil and triumphed.
The effects of having both Christian elements and pagan elements in this epic poem were important to the structure of the poem. Without the effects of both the reader would only see one side instead of both aspects, both good and evil. This shows how God works in mysterious ways. The use of good and evil throughout the poem relates to what the people of the poem think and feels about the situation they were in. He spoke harshly “ You’re Beowulf are you the same Boastful fool who fought a swimming Match with Brecca”. Death is not the last part of life. Grendel keeps on attacking the great mead hall but refuses to go after the king’s throne. One example would be Grendel taking over the Mead hall. This is saying that God will defeat any evil that stands in his path.
I agree with the "Beowulf" essay. I beleive that Beowulf did have a common theme of Good Vs. Evil and I can also see how it could be interpreted as Christianity (good) vs. Paganism (viewed as evil). In the essay, Hrothgar is viewed as god who, pressumably, was the one who made evil monsters come out of Cain, one of which being Grendel. As the essay states, Hrothgar realized this did not work and so turned from Paganism to Christianity (by using the help of Beowulf). Overall, I agree that there is a common theme/battle of Good Vs. Evil. Hrothgar and Beowulf, the good guys, are constantly and persistantly fighting Grendel and his mother, the bad guys. Viewing the theme of Good Vs. Evil as Christian Vs. Peganism is a good way, especially with examples from this particular essay.
***Disclaimer: I do NOT think Paganism is bad. It is simply used as an example.***
One of the common themes in beowulf is good v. evil. Beowulf, being the obvious good in the story, compared to Grendel's evil and hatred. Grendel can also appropriatley be seen as a descendent of Cain from the Bible. I agree with the writer.
I also agree,that Beowulf has reoccuring theme of good versus evil. Not only through the battles fought in story but through the backgrounds of each characters. Grendal represented evil,Beowulf represent evil.
I agree that a reoccuring theme in Beowulf is the classic good versus evil. In addition, there were definetly Christian elements in Beowulf throughout the version we read in class. The author points out, "The effects of having both Christian elements and pagan elements in this epic poem were important to the structure of the poem." I definetly recall the characters refered to one God, instead of multiple, assuming that they are all Christian (aside from the villians).
Although I agree that the elements of "Good vs. Evil" are present throughout the story, I do not agree that God played as big of a role in the slaying of Grendel or protection of the Mead Hall as the essay states. The poem itself depicts Beowulf slaying Grendel with his own bare hands.
I agree that the theme of good vs. evil is present throughout this entire poem. However, i do not believe that religion, or god, was an aspect that was present in the stories as much as the writer made it seem.
Without a doubt, I definitely believe that Good vs. Evil is the major theme that dominates the overall story of Beowulf. Religion does not seem to play as an important role, though, because God did not seem to be directly related to Beowulf's success.
While I do not disagree with author's view that "Good Vs. Evil" was a major part of Beowulf, claiming that "Beowulf" is an essay exemplifing the triumph of Christianity over Paganism seems a little too far-fetched. Remembering that this poem was written during the middle ages helps to shed light that the author was probably an Anglo-Saxon christian, and that he(she) was merely portraying Beowulf as the strong, heroic, morally sound hero who smites all evil.
I agree with the ideas that were stated that religious elements were present within the poem, adding to the structure; and that good v. evil was a major key theme. The theme of Good v. Evil is presented in many events in the text, in each and every battle between Beowulf and the enemies. The religious contrasts provide a basis for this theme.
I also agree with the criticism that good vs evil is the common theme in Beowulf. I dont agree about the religious aspect. I think that is a strech and just saying its good vs evil is more true and correct.
I agree that Beowulf has the reoccuring theme of good versus evil. The storyalways retirns to this topic especially during battles. The backgrounds of each characters also add to this theme.
I agree that good vs evil is a reoccuring theme in Beowulf. There were also many christan references. I dont really agree that the slaying of Grendal had God involved because it clearly states that Beowulf is responsible for Grendals death.
I agree with the essay, Beowulf does have reoccuring christian elements, as well as good vs. evil. So this essay is very agreeable, because its true with the forms of evil and good as well.
I agree with the authors and the other comments, good over evil is a reoccuring theme in the poem. I also agree that if there were no elements of christian and pagan beliefs that the aspects of good over evil would not be obvious throughout the poem.
Believe or not...I too will have to agree with the essay. The topic is pretty plain as day. I can either agree that theres good and evil or disagree and go off on some crazy irrelevant tangent. So i choose to agree. :)
While I do agree with the reoccuring theme of "good v. evil," I dont agree with the aspects of "good v. evil," allocating to christianity v. Paganism. Good v. Evil is present, as Beouwulf is the protagonist and Grendel is the evil antagonist. The author of the essay may be taking the works to far, linking the story to types religion, even though there were some religious references of Christianity.
I agree with the theme of good vs evil. Beowulf represents good while Grendel, the troll wife, and the dragon represent evil. I also see the theme of Christianity, with the references to Cain and Abel.
I also agree with the author of the essay. There are a number of both CHristian and Pagan elements in the poem. in the end the story in about good vs.evil.
I agree that good versus evil is present in the story. Obviously Beowulf represents good and Grendel, the Troll-wife, and the dragon represent evil. The theme of Christianity can also be seen throughout the story.
I agree that good vs. evil is an obvious reoccuring theme. This is defiently shown through religious themes in the book. Such as Hrothgar being seen as a god and the refrences to god through out the story.
Obviously good vs. evil is the main theme in the stroy. Where Beowulf represents good, and Grendal, the Troll wife, and The Dragon represent evil. Christianity can also be added to the themes diplayed throughout the story.
I agree that good vs evil is a reoccuring theme in Beowulf. There were also many christan references. I dont really agree that the slaying of Grendal had God involved because it clearly states that Beowulf is responsible for Grendals death.
28 comments:
Beowulf
In Beowulf, both pagan and Christian elements are present which add religious contrast to the poem. The poem begins with the king, Hrothgar, taking the throne of the Danes. During his reign, one of Hrothgars’ accomplishments included the building of the great Mead hall which served as a place of relaxation for his troops. Years passed and an evil monster came and terrorized the Hall. Then the great warrior, Beowulf, a foreigner offered to help rid the town of the monster. In the end, good triumphed over evil as he defeated the monster and returned the city to it’s people.
Present in this poem are certain forms of evil. The greatest of these is the descendent of Cain’s evil against his brother Abel. After Cain killed Abel God punished him by exiling him from the kingdom of God. From Cain’s soul came evil monsters, one in particular, Grendel. He was a demon; a fiend who haunted the moors,
. . .
Instead of greeting Beowulf with gratefulness he greeted him with jealousy.
After the failure of paganism Hrothgar searched for warriors that could defeat the beast. The people turned to the worship of pagan Gods, hoping they would take the demon back to the pits from whence it derived. Grendel, amused by the sound of drunkenness coming from the hall, kills all who reside there.
Throughout the poem good clashes with evil. In the end good over came evil and triumphed.
The effects of having both Christian elements and pagan elements in this epic poem were important to the structure of the poem. Without the effects of both the reader would only see one side instead of both aspects, both good and evil. This shows how God works in mysterious ways. The use of good and evil throughout the poem relates to what the people of the poem think and feels about the situation they were in. He spoke harshly “ You’re Beowulf are you the same Boastful fool who fought a swimming Match with Brecca”. Death is not the last part of life. Grendel keeps on attacking the great mead hall but refuses to go after the king’s throne. One example would be Grendel taking over the Mead hall. This is saying that God will defeat any evil that stands in his path.
http://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/77324.html
I agree with the "Beowulf" essay. I beleive that Beowulf did have a common theme of Good Vs. Evil and I can also see how it could be interpreted as Christianity (good) vs. Paganism (viewed as evil).
In the essay, Hrothgar is viewed as god who, pressumably, was the one who made evil monsters come out of Cain, one of which being Grendel. As the essay states, Hrothgar realized this did not work and so turned from Paganism to Christianity (by using the help of Beowulf).
Overall, I agree that there is a common theme/battle of Good Vs. Evil. Hrothgar and Beowulf, the good guys, are constantly and persistantly fighting Grendel and his mother, the bad guys. Viewing the theme of Good Vs. Evil as Christian Vs. Peganism is a good way, especially with examples from this particular essay.
***Disclaimer: I do NOT think Paganism is bad. It is simply used as an example.***
One of the common themes in beowulf is good v. evil. Beowulf, being the obvious good in the story, compared to Grendel's evil and hatred. Grendel can also appropriatley be seen as a descendent of Cain from the Bible. I agree with the writer.
I agree with the essays thoughts on Beowulf. Good vs evil is a reoccuring theme, and the trimph over the evil when Beowulf slays Grendel.
I also agree,that Beowulf has reoccuring theme of good versus evil. Not only through the battles fought in story but through the backgrounds of each characters.
Grendal represented evil,Beowulf represent evil.
I agree that a reoccuring theme in Beowulf is the classic good versus evil. In addition, there were definetly Christian elements in Beowulf throughout the version we read in class. The author points out, "The effects of having both Christian elements and pagan elements in this epic poem were important to the structure of the poem." I definetly recall the characters refered to one God, instead of multiple, assuming that they are all Christian (aside from the villians).
Although I agree that the elements of "Good vs. Evil" are present throughout the story, I do not agree that God played as big of a role in the slaying of Grendel or protection of the Mead Hall as the essay states. The poem itself depicts Beowulf slaying Grendel with his own bare hands.
I agree that the theme of good vs. evil is present throughout this entire poem. However, i do not believe that religion, or god, was an aspect that was present in the stories as much as the writer made it seem.
Without a doubt, I definitely believe that Good vs. Evil is the major theme that dominates the overall story of Beowulf. Religion does not seem to play as an important role, though, because God did not seem to be directly related to Beowulf's success.
While I do not disagree with author's view that "Good Vs. Evil" was a major part of Beowulf, claiming that "Beowulf" is an essay exemplifing the triumph of Christianity over Paganism seems a little too far-fetched. Remembering that this poem was written during the middle ages helps to shed light that the author was probably an Anglo-Saxon christian, and that he(she) was merely portraying Beowulf as the strong, heroic, morally sound hero who smites all evil.
I agree with the ideas that were stated that religious elements were present within the poem, adding to the structure; and that good v. evil was a major key theme. The theme of Good v. Evil is presented in many events in the text, in each and every battle between Beowulf and the enemies. The religious contrasts provide a basis for this theme.
I also agree with the criticism that good vs evil is the common theme in Beowulf. I dont agree about the religious aspect. I think that is a strech and just saying its good vs evil is more true and correct.
I agree that Beowulf has the reoccuring theme of good versus evil. The storyalways retirns to this topic especially during battles. The backgrounds of each characters also add to this theme.
I agree that good vs evil is a reoccuring theme in Beowulf. There were also many christan references. I dont really agree that the slaying of Grendal had God involved because it clearly states that Beowulf is responsible for Grendals death.
I agree with the essay, Beowulf does have reoccuring christian elements, as well as good vs. evil. So this essay is very agreeable, because its true with the forms of evil and good as well.
I agree with the authors and the other comments, good over evil is a reoccuring theme in the poem. I also agree that if there were no elements of christian and pagan beliefs that the aspects of good over evil would not be obvious throughout the poem.
Believe or not...I too will have to agree with the essay. The topic is pretty plain as day. I can either agree that theres good and evil or disagree and go off on some crazy irrelevant tangent. So i choose to agree. :)
I would have to agree with this essay. Good v.s Evil is a reocuring theme in Beowulf. I believe without this theme the poem would be nothing.
While I do agree with the reoccuring theme of "good v. evil," I dont agree with the aspects of "good v. evil," allocating to christianity v. Paganism. Good v. Evil is present, as Beouwulf is the protagonist and Grendel is the evil antagonist. The author of the essay may be taking the works to far, linking the story to types religion, even though there were some religious references of Christianity.
I agree with the theme of good vs evil. Beowulf represents good while Grendel, the troll wife, and the dragon represent evil. I also see the theme of Christianity, with the references to Cain and Abel.
I also agree with the author of the essay. There are a number of both CHristian and Pagan elements in the poem. in the end the story in about good vs.evil.
I agree that good versus evil is present in the story. Obviously Beowulf represents good and Grendel, the Troll-wife, and the dragon represent evil. The theme of Christianity can also be seen throughout the story.
I agree with the criticism. Good vs. Evil is obviously a reoccuring theme and probably the biggest theme throughout the entire text.
I agree that good vs. evil is an obvious reoccuring theme. This is defiently shown through religious themes in the book. Such as Hrothgar being seen as a god and the refrences to god through out the story.
Obviously good vs. evil is the main theme in the stroy. Where Beowulf represents good, and Grendal, the Troll wife, and The Dragon represent evil. Christianity can also be added to the themes diplayed throughout the story.
The theme of good vs. evil, and the specific inclusion of pagan and Christian elements make Beowulf meaningful and memorable.
I agree that good vs evil is a reoccuring theme in Beowulf. There were also many christan references. I dont really agree that the slaying of Grendal had God involved because it clearly states that Beowulf is responsible for Grendals death.
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