Theme and Symbolism

Theme

• Definition:Message or moral about the central idea in a text
• General Example: Good and evil can live side by side

Themes in Beowulf

• Goodness conquers evil. Beowulf, of course represents goodness; the three monsters that he slays represent evil.
• Help thy neighbor. Beowulf risks his life to help a neighbor, King Hrothgar, in trouble.
• Forces of darkness are always at work in society. Beowulf defeats Grendel, but Grendel's mother seeks revenge.

Motif or Theme?

• So, what's the difference?
• A motif occurs repeatedly in a text.
• It may be a specific phrase, a visual image or a repeated event. Motifs serve to emphasize the themes and goals of the work in which they appear
• Motifs emphasize the themes and goals of the text

Symbolism

• Using an object or action to stand for something else more than the literal meaning
• "Ring on left finger" to mean marriage

Symbolism in Beowulf

• Grendel's claw and head- symbol of victory over Grendel and his mom