THEMES

1. GOOD AND EVIL The conflict between good and evil is the poems most important
theme. The poet makes it clear, however, that good and evil dont exist as mutually
exclusive opposites, but that both qualities are present in everyone. Beowulf
represents the potential to do good to perform acts selflessly and in the service of
others while Grendel, Grendels mother, and the dragon are consumed with the
blind desire to act against people and to destroy them. Yet pride, a human quality, is
also a sign that evil exists. Its important, as Hrothgar points out to Beowulf, to
protect oneself against feeling self-satisfied; you must not ignore the powers to do
good with which youve been blessed. The transitoriness and instability of human
existence make it essential that you never feel too self-important about what youve
done. The poet also makes clear our need for a code of ethics. Such a code allows
members of society to relate to one another with understanding and trust. The most
important bond in Anglo-Saxon society was the relation between king and warrior.
When the Geat warriors break the bond by refusing to assist Beowulf in his battle
with the dragon, the foundation of society collapses, and chaos rules.
2. THE INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIANITY Beowulf is a link between two traditions,
the pagan and the Christian. The virtues of courage in war and the acceptance of
feuds between men and countries as a fact of life stem from the older pagan tradition.
Beowulf is buried in accordance with pagan ritual. (Note that the poet, obviously a
Christian himself, makes no adverse comment on Beowulfs cremation.) When
Hrothgar and his counselors turn to their stone gods in an attempt to rid the country of
Grendel, the poet makes it clear that idol worshiping is a definite threat to
Christianity. Beowulf, himself, is distinctly more generous in nature than the normal
warrior of the time, men like Efor and Wulf who care only about the rewards theyll
receive for killing their enemies. Though he possesses spiritual strength, Beowulf
isnt particularly concerned with Christian virtues like meekness and poverty. He
wants to help people, in a Christian way, but his motivation for doing so is
complicated. The poet makes no negative comments about Beowulfs eagerness for
material rewards and earthly fame, and gives the impression that these attributes were
still acceptable, even to an audience of Christians. Of all the characters in the poem,

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Hrothgar is perhaps the one who least fits into the old pagan tradition. His sermon to
Beowulf on pride and his ability to express emotions and love are certainly in keeping
with the new morality of Christianity. Though hes still caught up in the feuds,
conspiracies, and wars that are going on around him, he ultimately seems more
concerned with his belief in God. (Note that the pagans were more inspired by the
Old Testament than the New, and that some readers see Hrothgar as modeled after a
king in the Old Testament.)