Good and evil has existed throughout time. Heroes have defended the righteous, as villains were bent on destruction. This story represents these qualities in both main characters. The struggle began when God allowed Satan dominion over the earth. Since then the battle between them has been recorded throughout literary history. Some of the heroes that have challenged Satan did so to protect the weak. Others fought for fame and glory.
Beowulf, as a conquering hero, destroyed all the monsters in the sea as well as the giants. He has done this for fame and glory; not to protect those people threatened by these foul creatures. He is a killing addict that is constantly on a quest for a new "fix". He must do this to achieve his ultimate goal. That is to be famous. He wants the scops to sing about him. He wants to be known by everyone in the world. This is his only purpose in life.
The theme of good vs. evil that is present in the story of Beowulf, has become the classic foundation of many modern stories. Beowulf and Grendel represent the ultimate struggle of good and evil. Grendel tries to destroy everything around him. To Beowulf, this is another conquest. It allows him to do yet another good deed that people will talk about.
Beowulf represents God and Grendel is Satan. The struggle between God and Satan has existed throughout time. Beowulf is all that is good, moral, and ethical. He lives by the rules of God. Grendel denounces those rules to live by his own. Thinking only of that which gives him pleasure, he attempts to destroy everything good and kind. Beowulf is like a parent and Grendel is like a child whom he chastises.
The characters of Beowulf and Grendel are represented in stories throughout history. They represent the classic struggle of good and evil. There will always be the hero looking for fame and glory. There will always be a "monster" that, acting like an overgrown child, throws a temper tantrum insisting on having everything their way and destroys everything that opposes them.
This essay states that in many or all stories there is bound to be a hero and a monster. This is obviously evident in Beowulf, Grendel being the monster and Beowulf being the hero. This plot does often occur in many stories and Beowulf is no exception.
I find that this essay to bring out an interesting point: in the theme of good versus evil, the good does not neccesesarily fight evil to protect the weak, but may fight to feed their own ego. The author states that the situation with Grendel is, "To Beowulf, this is another conquest.". I also agree on how Beowulf might represent Christian values, while Grendel is quiet the opposite.
I too agree that Beowulf was on a quest for fame and fortune. Though his deeds were heroic and, in the end, self-sacrificial, he had accepted and faught for rewards of material value and praise.
I definitely agree that the theme of good vs. evil has been present in many stories, especially in Beowulf, as seen through the many characters in this poem. The fighting between Beowulf and Grendel do represent this struggle of good vs. evil, where Beowulf plays the good guy, and Grendel plays the bad guy.
Good v. evil is a familiar theme in stories throughout history. Beowulf is a prime example of this theme, with Beowulf signifying the hero and Grendel signifying evil. I don't agree with the statement that Beowulf represents God and Grendel represents Satan, it is too exact of a description, the characters were meant to represent a more general form of good and evil.
This essay brings to light a new spin on the idea of good vs evil. As comparisons can be made between Beowulf and a more modern story, such as the star wars trilogy, it seems that Good and Evil are constantly battling for the soul of humanity, and the only real change is who will represent good, and who portrays evil.
I disagree with the critics assumption of Beowulf killing for fame. If the critics compares God and Beowulf then Beowulf wouldn't be killing because it makes him look better. In the Bible when God "kills" people there is a reason that has nothing to do with selfish means. God is considered perfect, and being perfect means you aren't selfish, so saying Beowulf kills to be famous is worng or comparing him to God is wrong.
I agree with Dylan's comment regarding the reason for Beowulf's bravery. From my understanding, Beowulf does indeed show bravery in times of need, but I believe he may do it just for what he may gain in the long run.
The theme of good versus evil is well represented in the text but not all heroes fight for others. Beowulf did save people and did give his life fighting the dragon but he mainly did it for his own benefit.
In this essay is explains that most stories have a good vs evil plot. And good prevails over evil, in Beowulf this is evident when Beowulf does trimph over the evil grendel.
I do agree with the good v. evil aspect but i feel as if Beowulf set out not to fight evil to protect the weak but for his own fame. Beowulf wanted to be known as the "one who defeated Grendal" that is why he went to fight not to help the weak but to help his pride.
I agree with the essay as well. Since it shows that Beowulf has reoccuring good v. evil. And I agree with the essay when it says, 'The theme of good vs. evil that is present in the story of Beowulf, has become the classic foundation of many modern stories.'
Beowulf is the evidence of good within the poem, as where grendel is the evil. Many criticisms about Beowulf are based upon the theme of good and evil. I agree with dylan, beowulf's deeds were heroic, but he did what he did for the fame and fortune and honor, but for these reasons, does it still make Beowulf a hero?
OMG another good vs evil article. I agree with the article when it talks about the good and evil natures of Beowulf. I recognize that Beowulf has clear evil characters, Grendel, and clear good characters, Beowulf. In the end good triumphs over evil, just like in real life...
I agree with this article of Good v. Evil. But i strongly disagree with the part where it talked about how Beowulf destroyed all monsters for fame and glory. He destroyed these monsters to protect his people not for fame and he also died fighting for his people
While good v. evil is a present theme in Beowulf, I don't belive Beowulf represents god. God is not a human being and would not die, as Beowulf did after he killed the dragon. If god were to represent Beowulf, and die, what hope would people have today? The belief in god is individual to everyone, but I would think that those who believe in him would be dissappointed of Beowulf symbolizing him.
I like this essay. It says what the others have not. Maybe its not as black and white as good vs evil. Maybe theres a little bit of a gain to be had by Beowulf.
I do believe that the theme of good vs evil is present hero, with Beowulf playing the hero and Grendel the villian. I do not think that Beowulf was fighting for fame and glory though, rather to protect his own people. This was obvious when he gave his life to slay the dragon which burned his town.
I partially agree that Beowulf wanted to help and kill for the glory. However, I do not entirely agree that he was a "killing machine." If that were the case, the common theme would be evil verse evil, not good verse evil, Therefore, the writer of that essay actually contradicts himself.
I agree with every word that Mr. Earl stated. The story is about good versus evil, with Beowulf being the good and the monsters being the evil. I also beleive that Beowulf does not fight for fame since he was willing to die inorder to kill the dragon.
Good vs. evils is an obvious theme in Beowulf. It is shown through Beowulf vs. Grendel, Beowulf vs. the troll wife, and Beowulf vs. the dragon. This proves, (as said in the article) that there will always be a "monster" and "a hero looking for fame and glory."
A critic can attempt to dismantle Beowulf by claiming that he did not have the right motivation for his actions, but he does serve to destroy the evil Grendel, and this is the point worth remembering.
26 comments:
Beowulf and Grendel Good and Evil
Good and evil has existed throughout time. Heroes have defended the righteous, as villains were bent on destruction. This story represents these qualities in both main characters. The struggle began when God allowed Satan dominion over the earth. Since then the battle between them has been recorded throughout literary history. Some of the heroes that have challenged Satan did so to protect the weak. Others fought for fame and glory.
Beowulf, as a conquering hero, destroyed all the monsters in the sea as well as the giants. He has done this for fame and glory; not to protect those people threatened by these foul creatures. He is a killing addict that is constantly on a quest for a new "fix". He must do this to achieve his ultimate goal. That is to be famous. He wants the scops to sing about him. He wants to be known by everyone in the world. This is his only purpose in life.
The theme of good vs. evil that is present in the story of Beowulf, has become the classic foundation of many modern stories. Beowulf and Grendel represent the ultimate struggle of good and evil. Grendel tries to destroy everything around him. To Beowulf, this is another conquest. It allows him to do yet another good deed that people will talk about.
Beowulf represents God and Grendel is Satan. The struggle between God and Satan has existed throughout time. Beowulf is all that is good, moral, and ethical. He lives by the rules of God. Grendel denounces those rules to live by his own. Thinking only of that which gives him pleasure, he attempts to destroy everything good and kind. Beowulf is like a parent and Grendel is like a child whom he chastises.
The characters of Beowulf and Grendel are represented in stories throughout history. They represent the classic struggle of good and evil. There will always be the hero looking for fame and glory. There will always be a "monster" that, acting like an overgrown child, throws a temper tantrum insisting on having everything their way and destroys everything that opposes them.
http://www.123helpme.com/assets/5556.html
This essay states that in many or all stories there is bound to be a hero and a monster. This is obviously evident in Beowulf, Grendel being the monster and Beowulf being the hero. This plot does often occur in many stories and Beowulf is no exception.
Good Vs. Evil is a common plot in many stories as stated by the critic. Beowulf is prime example of the theme of good versus evil.
I find that this essay to bring out an interesting point: in the theme of good versus evil, the good does not neccesesarily fight evil to protect the weak, but may fight to feed their own ego. The author states that the situation with Grendel is, "To Beowulf, this is another conquest.". I also agree on how Beowulf might represent Christian values, while Grendel is quiet the opposite.
I too agree that Beowulf was on a quest for fame and fortune. Though his deeds were heroic and, in the end, self-sacrificial, he had accepted and faught for rewards of material value and praise.
I definitely agree that the theme of good vs. evil has been present in many stories, especially in Beowulf, as seen through the many characters in this poem. The fighting between Beowulf and Grendel do represent this struggle of good vs. evil, where Beowulf plays the good guy, and Grendel plays the bad guy.
Good v. evil is a familiar theme in stories throughout history. Beowulf is a prime example of this theme, with Beowulf signifying the hero and Grendel signifying evil. I don't agree with the statement that Beowulf represents God and Grendel represents Satan, it is too exact of a description, the characters were meant to represent a more general form of good and evil.
This essay brings to light a new spin on the idea of good vs evil. As comparisons can be made between Beowulf and a more modern story, such as the star wars trilogy, it seems that Good and Evil are constantly battling for the soul of humanity, and the only real change is who will represent good, and who portrays evil.
I disagree with the critics assumption of Beowulf killing for fame. If the critics compares God and Beowulf then Beowulf wouldn't be killing because it makes him look better. In the Bible when God "kills" people there is a reason that has nothing to do with selfish means. God is considered perfect, and being perfect means you aren't selfish, so saying Beowulf kills to be famous is worng or comparing him to God is wrong.
I agree with Dylan's comment regarding the reason for Beowulf's bravery. From my understanding, Beowulf does indeed show bravery in times of need, but I believe he may do it just for what he may gain in the long run.
The theme of good versus evil is well represented in the text but not all heroes fight for others. Beowulf did save people and did give his life fighting the dragon but he mainly did it for his own benefit.
In this essay is explains that most stories have a good vs evil plot. And good prevails over evil, in Beowulf this is evident when Beowulf does trimph over the evil grendel.
I do agree with the good v. evil aspect but i feel as if Beowulf set out not to fight evil to protect the weak but for his own fame. Beowulf wanted to be known as the "one who defeated Grendal" that is why he went to fight not to help the weak but to help his pride.
I agree with the essay as well. Since it shows that Beowulf has reoccuring good v. evil. And I agree with the essay when it says, 'The theme of good vs. evil that is present in the story of Beowulf, has become the classic foundation of many modern stories.'
Beowulf is the evidence of good within the poem, as where grendel is the evil. Many criticisms about Beowulf are based upon the theme of good and evil. I agree with dylan, beowulf's deeds were heroic, but he did what he did for the fame and fortune and honor, but for these reasons, does it still make Beowulf a hero?
OMG another good vs evil article. I agree with the article when it talks about the good and evil natures of Beowulf. I recognize that Beowulf has clear evil characters, Grendel, and clear good characters, Beowulf. In the end good triumphs over evil, just like in real life...
I agree with this article of Good v. Evil. But i strongly disagree with the part where it talked about how Beowulf destroyed all monsters for fame and glory. He destroyed these monsters to protect his people not for fame and he also died fighting for his people
While good v. evil is a present theme in Beowulf, I don't belive Beowulf represents god. God is not a human being and would not die, as Beowulf did after he killed the dragon. If god were to represent Beowulf, and die, what hope would people have today? The belief in god is individual to everyone, but I would think that those who believe in him would be dissappointed of Beowulf symbolizing him.
I like this essay. It says what the others have not. Maybe its not as black and white as good vs evil. Maybe theres a little bit of a gain to be had by Beowulf.
I do believe that the theme of good vs evil is present hero, with Beowulf playing the hero and Grendel the villian. I do not think that Beowulf was fighting for fame and glory though, rather to protect his own people. This was obvious when he gave his life to slay the dragon which burned his town.
I partially agree that Beowulf wanted to help and kill for the glory. However, I do not entirely agree that he was a "killing machine." If that were the case, the common theme would be evil verse evil, not good verse evil, Therefore, the writer of that essay actually contradicts himself.
I agree with every word that Mr. Earl stated. The story is about good versus evil, with Beowulf being the good and the monsters being the evil. I also beleive that Beowulf does not fight for fame since he was willing to die inorder to kill the dragon.
I agree that there is bound to be a hero or monster in all stories. Good vs evil is a rather common theme and can be seen in many works.
Good versus evil is obviously the most common theme in Bewoulf. Beowulf represents good and Grendel represents evil.
Good vs. evils is an obvious theme in Beowulf. It is shown through Beowulf vs. Grendel, Beowulf vs. the troll wife, and Beowulf vs. the dragon. This proves, (as said in the article) that there will always be a "monster" and "a hero looking for fame and glory."
A critic can attempt to dismantle Beowulf by claiming that he did not have the right motivation for his actions, but he does serve to destroy the evil Grendel, and this is the point worth remembering.
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