Macbeth and Grendel
The Face of Evil
Although the definitions of evil vary, as well as its motives and causes, one who possesses characteristics of profound immorality, sinfulness, and corruption could be described as an evil individual. Evil is typically perceived as the dualistic opposite of good. While many characters in literature throughout history are conceived as evil, two distinct characters stand out from the rest; Macbeth in Shakespeare’s definitive tale Macbeth and Grendel in the legendary masterpiece Beowulf. These two literary figures both exemplify traits of gullible ambition, avaricious guilt, and true wickedness. The two pieces of literature depict the terrible effects that these traits, as well as many others, can have on an individual who lacks strength of character.
“I have no spur/ To prick the sides of my intent, but only/ Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself/ And falls on the other” (1.7). Macbeth is one of the most ambitious characters ever written about. Along with his greed and self-doubt, Macbeth’s ruthless traits fight to take control of his life. He struggles to overcome many obstacles due to these distresses throughout the play. “Like a man outlawed/ for wickedness, he must await/ the mighty judgment of God in majesty” (976-978). This notable quote from Beowulf portrays the irrevocably evil spirit of the monster Grendel. His bloodthirsty personality and hatred towards man syndicate and gradually overcome the mastery of the creature, eventually taking control of his actions. The ambitious temperament of both characters consumes them and develops into violent, horrid mayhems such as murder. Both characters approach their goals with different motives, but an influential and commanding ambition ultimately illustrates their similar treachery.
Being the prodigious villains they are, Macbeth and Grendel are inclined to a cruel and ferocious lifestyle. The characters from both stories commit a countless number of crimes, one of which being murder.
Although the definitions of evil vary, as well as its motives and causes, one who possesses characteristics of profound immorality, sinfulness, and corruption could be described as an evil individual. Evil is typically perceived as the dualistic opposite of good. While many characters in literature throughout history are conceived as evil, two distinct characters stand out from the rest; Macbeth in Shakespeare’s definitive tale Macbeth and Grendel in the legendary masterpiece Beowulf. These two literary figures both exemplify traits of gullible ambition, avaricious guilt, and true wickedness. The two pieces of literature depict the terrible effects that these traits, as well as many others, can have on an individual who lacks strength of character.
“I have no spur/ To prick the sides of my intent, but only/ Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself/ And falls on the other” (1.7). Macbeth is one of the most ambitious characters ever written about. Along with his greed and self-doubt, Macbeth’s ruthless traits fight to take control of his life. He struggles to overcome many obstacles due to these distresses throughout the play. “Like a man outlawed/ for wickedness, he must await/ the mighty judgment of God in majesty” (976-978). This notable quote from Beowulf portrays the irrevocably evil spirit of the monster Grendel. His bloodthirsty personality and hatred towards man syndicate and gradually overcome the mastery of the creature, eventually taking control of his actions. The ambitious temperament of both characters consumes them and develops into violent, horrid mayhems such as murder. Both characters approach their goals with different motives, but an influential and commanding ambition ultimately illustrates their similar treachery.
Being the prodigious villains they are, Macbeth and Grendel are inclined to a cruel and ferocious lifestyle. The characters from both stories commit a countless number of crimes, one of which being murder.