Light And Dark Imagery In Beowulf

Poems can have a great impact on the reader, they shed significant light on a story from different points of view and different opinions. Poets, during the Old English time period conveyed the image of light and dark imagery to portray a message of good and evil in their stories. Many of these authors describe epic clashes from both the hero and the antagonist's point of view, which is also demonstrated in Beowulf. In the story the author uses visual imagery and positive connotation to show contrast between characters in order to show the relationship between the battle of good and evil.
Grendel is a heinous character described as evil and dark. The author uses different types of keywords to describe Grendel as a terrible being, far worse than anything anyone has ever seen. He is described as a “demon”(16) and a “fiend”(16) , which heightens the fact that Grendel is a being of evil and a terrible dark creature who lives in the shadows of their society. Grendel is also referred to as a shepherd of evil, this is far worse than being evil, he relishes in the fact that he is evil and causes pain and suffering. He is said to have made his home in hell which helps increase the power and truthfulness of …show more content…
These types of descriptive elements allude to the fact that Beowulf is represented as a christ figure, he is portrayed in the fact that he is the lands hero and will be rejoiced even after his death. The author uses light imagery to help reinforce the fact the Beowulf is the ultimate good that can put a stop to the ultimate evil, Grendel, and by putting a stop to grendel he would gain glory, and