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Other themes
Beowulf is intent on following the plan that God has set out for him;
divine providence structures the actions of men.
Loyalty and vengeance drive much of the plot in this story: family
members demonstrate loyalty to one another by avenging injustices done to
the group. Hence Grendels mother comes to avenge her sons death.
Beowulf shows the struggle against evil in both the conflict between
characters (such as Beowulf fighting the evil Grendel) and Beowulfs individual
fight to avoid greed and embrace generosity toward his people.
Symbols
The Golden Torque
The collar or necklace that Wealhtheow gives Beowulf is a symbol of the bond of loyalty between her
people and Beowulfand, by extension, the Geats. Its status as a symbolic object is renewed when
we learn that Hygelac died in battle wearing it, furthering the ideas of kinship and continuity.
The Banquet
The great banquet at Heorot after the defeat of Grendel represents the restoration of order and
harmony to the Danish people. The preparation involves the rebuilding of the damaged mead-hall,
which, in conjunction with the banquet itself, symbolizes the rebirth of the community. The speeches
and giving of gifts, essential components of this societys interactions, contribute as well to the sense
of wholeness renewed.