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The Struggle Between Good And Evil In Beowulf

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The epic poem Beowulf, wrote in Old English and is commonly cited as one of the most important works of Old English literature. A date of composition is a matter of contention among scholars; the only certain dating relating to a manuscript, which was produced between 975 and 1025. The author was an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet. The poem is set in Scandinavia. Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, comes to the aid of Hrothgar. The poem deals with many aspects in eluding into Anglo Saxon heritage and of its foes, by the aspects of good and evil, how Christianity vs. paganism, and literary elements such as a kenning, a caesura , and a alliteration in the text. First, there is an aspect of good vs. evil, an aspect in witch the epic poem displays many times. It's the conflict between a courageous, mighty, loyal warrior and the demons and dragons of hell itself. Of course, …show more content…

The author of Beowulf uses several techniques in witch they relay kenning, caesura and alliteration, this is only a few in witch the author bestows. A kenning is a phrase or word used to name a person, place or thing indirectly like "life-days and day-count" (lifespan).(817-819) Secondly, the author uses a caesura, the caesura is a big blank space in the middle of a line. In the oral tradition, the caesura is a break in the line where the speaker pauses. line 716- 717)thirdly, the author uses plenty of alliterative devices , The use of alliteration speaks to us. It helps grab our attention, and it holds us captive in the language. The repeating sounds resonate, and with each line we are transported into the action of the piece, keeping the reader reading more. The words, 'Up from his swampland, sliding silently,' allow us to imagine Grendel slipping into the hall unseen. (364-372) This "s" sound keeps the reader swinging into the next line in the sentence or

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