grendel vs. beowulf
Although Grendel and Beowulf are used in "Beowulf" as symbolic opposition who represent good and evil, in reality, they contain similar ties leading the reader to question the story's black and white portrayal of good and evil. It's not a matter of being good or evil, in reality, it comes down to how you are viewed by ignorant society. Society loves to stereotype and over exaggerate. Both Grendel and Beowulf are victims of ancestry and society, which dictate the way they are "supposed" to act. They fall into the abyss of do's and don'ts which their surroundings impose, and unconsciously they are bound to follow them. Many times, as the author portrays something as evil, the reader assumes it to be true without seeking justification between the lines. As Grendel is introduced in the poem, "the grim spirit was called Grendel, a famous march-stepper who held the moors, the fen and the fastness,"(Beowulf 2) right away he is portrayed as an outcast. When people think "outcast,"they right away assume there is something wrong with the being, because he's not like they are, he's different. However, less emphasis is put on the quote which explains why the creature is as it is, "The hapless creature sojourned for a space in the s
He went then when night fell to visit the high house, to see how the Ring-Danes had disposed themselves in it after the beer-banquet. Then he found therein the band of chieftains slumbering after the feast; they knew not sorrow, the misery of man, aught of misfortune.(Beowulf 3) ea-monsters' home after the Creator had condemned him. The eternal Lord avenged the murder on the race of Cain, because he slew Abel." (Beowulf 3) This clearly explains, the creature itself had nothing to do with the way it was raised, nor the purpose which it has on Earth. Grendel is cursed through his line of ancestors. In the Germanic tribal society of Grendel, one's ancestry played a key role in identifying the person's position in life. It seems as if excessive pride is a strong weakness of Beowulf. He boasts while talking to his own men, throwing statements such as: "I am brave in mind,"(Beowulf 45) or "The sword was not a slayer, but my battle grip crushed the surges of his heart and body."(Beowulf 45) What example should his men have about modesty? What would happen to a society if every man boasts about a good, brave deed? This personality flaw may be harder to distinguish because its not a heroic flaw. Beowulf's heroism seems to be the focus of the poem, and everything else seems to be either insignificant, or secondary. Beowulf's rich ancestry prepares t
Some common words found in the essay are:
Wiglaf Death, Grendel Beowulf, Earth Grendel, Beowulf Beowulf, Abel Beowulf, grendel beowulf, mind heart, weakness beowulf, excessive pride, explains creature, beowulf goes, evil reality,
Approximate Word count = 915
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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