Beowulf

2 Pages 516 Words

In the epic “Beowulf”, Grendel is the wicked and naturally sinful character. The tale includes a few key elements which give the reader the impression that he is evil. The epic initially shows Grendel’s malevolence through his own actions and portrayals. The next is the depiction of Grendel’s menacing environment and surroundings. And lastly, biblical references in “Beowulf” notify you that Grendel is born into iniquity, and is not entirely liable for his immorality.
One way that the epic describes that Grendel is evil, is through his actions, thoughts, and description. This is also established at the launch of the story. As “Beowulf” begins, Grendel grows impatient, as people are rejoicing in Herot day by day. The only justification that one can develop about why such happiness angers Grendel, is that he’s evil. The tale also tells us that Herot’s happiness is about to end because, "The monster stirred, that demon, that fiend, Grendel. " By describing him using words associated with sin, the author also associates Grendel with wickedness. The author also shows us how impious Grendel is through his actions, such as going into Herot and slaughtering thirty sleeping warriors.
Using imagery to convey Grendel’s dwelling at the beginning and throughout the story also reveal his evil nature. Already, the very institute of the story opens with, "A powerful monster, living down in the darkness…" By saying that Grendel is living in the darkness implies his malicious nature, since darkness is always associated with evil. Not only did the author imply that Grendel is wicked, but he describes the other side - the fine people of Herot - to further strengthen this view. The epic displays Herot as a joyous place with singing, dancing, and story telling. By doing this, the epic informs us that the beast is not integrated with the greater inhabitants. Instead, he exists separately in obscurity, where he must lear...