Beowulf: as an Allegory

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Beowulf: As an Allegory What is an allegory? An allegory is “the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence,” (Allegory). Now with the poem Beowulf there are many symbols throughout the while text. Beowulf is an allegory to show us the forces necessary to maintain civilization, and the forces necessary to tear the fabric of civilization. Heorot is a symbol of a society. A society is: “people in general thought of as living together in organized communities with shared laws, traditions, and values,” (Society). “There he would dispense His God-given goods to young and old, but not the common land or people’s lives. Far and wide through the world,” (Beowulf 3) the king respected his people and also people from all over the world. He wasn’t a king who didn’t try and help his people. “And the party sat,” (Beowulf 16). The people of Heorot were able to come together and have a party. They were able to be a community and sit, talk, and drink. Grendel is a symbol that represents forces that tear society apart. Grendel is described as “malignant by nature, he never shown remorse” (Beowulf 137), so Grendel does not show any guilt or regret for the damages he does to Heorot. Now I would think if he wasn’t a force that tears society apart he would feel guilt for the destruction he has done. Instead he does not show or feel any guilt. “Powerful demon, a prowler through the dark” (Beowulf 3). The definition of demon is “something that causes a person to have a lot of trouble or unhappiness” (“Demon”). When a society is tore apart it is caused by trouble. So directly Grendel caused trouble and tears the society apart. Beowulf has many great qualities to himself and these many great qualities were able to save society. “To defeat his enemy and find respite,” (Beowulf 9) No was yet able to defeat Grendel.
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