Darkness In Beowulf

Through the utilization of literary devices in lines 425-443 of “Beowulf,” an ominous and dreary tone is created, and thus a hell-like atmosphere is portrayed. Grendel’s mother’s dwelling is a secretive place “where mist / Steams like black clouds [...] all covered / With frozen spray,” and the hidden and corrupted characteristics of the lake are highlighted here. The black mist, which in reality is colorless, shows that darkness lies within the lake. The human fear of the unknown is very present here, and as a result, a feeling which readers can relate to is created. At night, when the lake “burns like a torch” the reader begins to understand the abnormal and supernatural characteristics of the lake, that swamp which fills all living things