Good and Evil in Beowulf Essay -- Epic of Beowulf Essays

Good and Evil in Beowulf In Beowulf, the conflict between steady-going and shame is the poems main andmost important aspect. The poet makes it clear that good and evil do notexist as only opposites, but that both qualities are presentin everyone. Beowulf represents the capacity to do good, or to completeacts selflessly and in help of others. Goodness is also showedthroughout this big as having the ability to cleanse evil. Even though evilis presented by Grendel, Grendels mother, and the dragon, who arefilled with a desire to act against people and in the long run destroy them.Even pride, a human quality, is presented in Beowulf as a sign that evilexists.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 extend to KingHrothgar, in which he proposes to slay Grendel. Beowulf states,Single-handed Ill settle the strife In this statement,Beowulf is simply stating that he will kill this evil creatur e,Grendel. other selfless act Beowulf states is that he will slayGrendels mother. Beowulf declares, And I result you pledge, She(Grendels mother) shall not in safety escape to cover. Beowulfpromises to see to it that Grendels mother will be killed. After Beowulfbecomes king in Geatland, he shows his great ability once more bypledging to kill the fire-dragon. The ring-prince scorned toassault the dragon, the poet utter. Beowulf is said to have pled...