Symbolism Of 'Good And Evil In Beowulf'

Student Name

English 4 Honors

Mr. Ruddy

Date

Example Essay 1

The gold cup glittered, covered in jewels that sparkled, filled with a drink that glistened. The loud joy echoed, floated through the room like dandelions in the breeze. The bright light blazed through the window, illuminated the hero, clad in armor glistening. The evil monster crept, clothed in clouds of darkness, prepared to destroy. The dark night loomed, hid the beast within it, covered in its shadows. Good and evil are opposing forces throughout every genre of literature. Authors use a variety of symbols for these forces including seasons, animals, and weather. However, good and evil are most prominently symbolized by light and dark. In the epic poem Beowulf, the imagery of Beowulf

When Beowulf arrives in Herot and greets Hrothgar “the silvery metal of his mail shirt” was “gleaming with a smith’s high art” (234-235). The initial description of Beowulf in Hrothgar’s presence includes two adjectives relating to light as the most prominent characteristics of the epic hero. The brilliance of his clothing portrays his valor and glory; his entrance into the scene increases the presence of light because he is full of courage and is about to save Herot. Later, in the darkness of the lake, Beowulf would have lost the battle to Grendel’s mother “if that shining woven metal had not helped” (525-526). Beowulf’s armour could be a symbol for God, the mighty protector. By comparing light to the most honorable being in existence, the author establishes the “shiny metal” is representative of God’s own glory and light, and therefore inherently good. Moreover, Beowulf being protected by his radiant armour, indicates that the light is stronger than even the monster's dagger and hatred. In contrast to the glory of Beowulf, Grendel showcases

Grendel is described as a “shadow of death” who “hunted in the darkness” (74). Using a metaphor to compare Grendel to a shadow, the author depicts Grendel as invisible and therefore impossible to understand or tame. Since Beowulf and his men cannot pinpoint exactly where Grendel is or what Grendel looks like, their imaginations make him more powerful than reality, which probably causes Grendel to seem omnipresent. Moreover, the image of the “shadow of death” alludes to the Psalmist’s words in the Bible concerning the Devil, essentially making Grendel the same entity. In addition to his shadowy appearance, Grendel’s hunting style contributes to his characterization as evil. When they are preparing to fight, Beowulf warns his men Grendel will come “when night had covered the earth with its net and the shapes of darkness moved black and silent” (handout). The personification of the night creates a tense mood because the darkness traps the Geats and Danes in the dark with a monster they cannot see, thus adding suspense. Furthermore, Grendel exploits the Danes’ fear to make them easier targets for his evil conquests, which explains why he only hunts at night. However, this also suggests that if Grendel were to be exposed during the day and in the light, he would lose the element of surprise, and therefore be easier to