BeowulfContrasts

The first time Grendel is mentioned, he is described as a descendent of Cain. Immediately, the reader knows that Grendel is evil, because Cain was the murderous son of Adam and Eve. “Conceived by a pair of those monsters born of Cain, murderous creatures banished by God.” (lines 20-21) Grendel began attacking Herot and eating men, a hideous act of evil. By contrast, as soon as Beowulf heard of the trouble that was facing Hrothgar, he immediately set sail to help the Danes. This act illustrates that Beowulf stands against evil. When Beowulf first reaches the island, he is asked for his lineage. Beowulf states that “My father was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men.” (line 174-176) This shows that Beowulf came from a good family, and it is in direct contrast to the evil roots of Grendel. Grendel comes

The range of contrasts in good versus evil, light and dark, and youth versus age all contribute to developing the themes, characters and settings used in this epic poem, Beowulf. From Beowulf’s fight against evil arises the theme good versus evil. From the use of light imagery the reader can see the evils of the darkness and the goodness of the light and from the contrast of youth and age the change in character of Beowulf can be seen. Such dramatic contrasts not only clarify the message, but also enhance its impact on the reader.

Every time Beowulf and his men are mentioned, it is during the day or in a lighted place such as Herot. “Standing in the round-curled prow they could see sparkling hills, high and green jutting up over the shore, and rejoicing.” (lines 135-138) By contrast, darkness pervades the setting of the monsters. Grendel only attacks under the cover of night. “Then when darkness had dropped, Grendel went up to Herot.” (lines 30-31) Similarly, Grendel’s mother lives deep under the watery depths, where hardly

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