good vs evil

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Recommended: Symbolism in the epic story Beowulf

Beowulf Good VS. Evil
Many times we see a battle of good vs. evil in movies, books, society, and in this case, an epic poem. This motif is used so often because it pertains to so many facets of authentic life. The epic poem Beowulf is an example of this because the hero of the story has an ongoing conflict with the evil villain, Grendel. 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 is the character in the story that played the super hero. He was the man who went to innocent peoples rescue. When they needed someone to help them he was the man who would respond to their cries for help. For example, Beowulf went to the aid of the people of another country to fight a monster and protect them from another ambush of attacks from the monster. He risked his own life, to face this monster that would destroy any human in a matter of seconds. Beowulf isn’t just any normal human, he has the strength of 30 men in each hand. He is “the Prince of goodness”(46). He has been sent down from heaven to protect the earth from evil such as Grendel. As you can see clearly by the fact that he is called “The Prince of goodness” he is the “good guy” in the story (46). He has been chosen to protect the world from evil. When this story was made, the author intended for it to be clear that Beowulf is supposed to be the hero of the story.
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 (37).

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