Good Vs Evil Essay
pdf
keyboard_arrow_up
School
San Jose State University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
268
Subject
English
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
Pages
39
Uploaded by AmbassadorWaterBuffalo3997
Lord of the Flies: Good vs. Evil
Knowing William Golding took part of World War II, we as readers can understand why Golding
wrote Lord of the Flies and other survival–fiction novels. When the story was released in 1954,
Golding described his book as "an attempt to trace the defects of society back to the defects of
human nature." It is unmistakably obvious to anyone who reads this book that Golding is trying to
exaggerate the good and evil in the boys on the island. Throughout the book, we learn that people,
including children, are not pure goodness. Deep inside there is an evil constantly trying to rise to the
surface of our minds. Golding proves that eventually the evil within us will destroy us. Golding saw
in World War II what
...show more content...
Spill her blood." Realizing the signal fire went out, Ralph and Piggy make their way up to the boys'
feast. Jack is too consumed with blood lust to care about rescue anymore. When he lashes out at
Piggy is when the link between him and Ralph is destroyed Being ugly and having red hair, a
traditional demonic feature, Jack is depicted as evil. He is also much like Hitler throughout the
book. Jack's inherent evil is the cause of the fall of social order.
Although Golding doesn't make any direct biblical parallels, he certainly uses them as penetrating
motifs throughout the novel. Lord of the Flies opens in the Garden of Eden. On an island filled with
ripe fruits, fresh, flowing water, has a luscious climate, and the boys are free to live as they want.
They're free from sexual longing and deprivation. Like Adam and Eve, the boys are innocent.
Golding describes Simon as the "Jesus" figure in the story. Simon happens to be on of Jesus' twelve
disciples. Jesus later renamed Simon to Peter, which means "rock." Simon and Jesus share the same
experience of mourning and mental suffering the night before their death. Simon, with his
experience talking with the pig head and Jesus in his time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Unlike
Jesus, Simon's death did not bring salvation to the island. It brought the boys deeper into savagery
and guilt. After the boys were building the signal fire, it started to burn everything. That is the
beginning of hell. The small boy with
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Good vs. Evil
The short story, "Young Goodman Brown" is a fascinating rendition of the battle between good and
evil. The reader must delve into the depths of his/her own beliefs to understand what the symbolism
is. Nathaniel Hawthorne writes an entire lesson in life as one big symbol using allegory
. The various
examples are fruitful and will be presented throughout this essay.
First, the main character's name is Goodman Brown. Does this mean something? It seems Nathaniel
Hawthorne wished it to be that way. After reading the story, the reader is left with the impression
that "GOOD–MAN" in the focal character's name symbolizes that this will be the good character in
the battle between good and evil. Hawthorne begins the
...show more content...
This character's symbol is easy to identify. One must keep in mind that the story supposedly takes
place in Salem Village, England's Massachusetts Bay Colony. However, the statement, "You are late,
Goodman Brown. The clock of the Old South was striking as I came through Boston; and that is full
fifteen minutes agone," points to the fact that the old man has traveled all the way from Boston to
Salem in a mere fifteen minutes. This implies there is something rather paranormal about this
character. The fact that the stranger knew Brown's name also adds to the train of clues. This
character's symbolism is further established with statements such as "the only thing about him, that
could be fixed upon as remarkable, was his staff, which bore the likeness of a great black snake...it
might almost be seen to twist and wriggle itself, like a living serpent." While the great black snake
and serpent are only descriptions of the staff, the words have a deeper meaning and give detail to
what the character stands for. The slithering serpent, as referred to in the Bible, symbolizes the sly,
sneaky devil. The devil uses his clever persuasion to convince Brown to meet him halfway into the
forest. He keeps pulling Brown further and further into the forest, i.e. closer to sin, telling him he
may turn back at any time. All the while the devil is describing the sinful doings of the other
townsfolk in an attempt to mask the
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Beowulf Good Vs Evil Essay
Good vs evil is a common theme that is evident in many epics and stories across all cultures and
languages. It is especially evident in Beowulf by an unknown Anglo–Saxon author. In this epic, the
hero Beowulf has accepted the challenge to kill a monster that is terrorizing Heorot, the mead hall
owned by King Hrothgar of the Danes. The monster, Grendel
, makes its trek to Heorot to kill Danish
warriors as they sleep. Beowulf ends up slaying Grendel, and his mother. After, Beowulf returns to
Geatland and meets his match when he has to fight a dragon that is angered by its stolen treasure. In
Beowulf, the constant battles between good and evil are portrayed through the altercations amongst
Beowulf and his enemies.
Grendel is indirectly labeled as an evil force from the beginning when he attacks possibly innocent
Danish warriors while they sleep. After Beowulf's encounter with Grendel's mother he "wrested the
hilt from the enemies' hand, avenged the evil done to the Danes; it is what was due" (1668–1670).
The author described the actions done to the Danes as evil. This is already hard proof that Grendel
and his mother is the opposing and evil force against Beowulf.
In all stories, God is always shown to be aiding the light or the good side. He is brought up many
times throughout Beowulf, seeming to help Beowulf and his allies. As Beowulf
...show more
content...
Beowulf came to aid King Hrothgar because Beowulf owed Hrothgar for aiding Beowulf's father,
this shows in honorability to repay his father's debt. During Beowulf's fight with Grendel, Beowulf
puts away his weapon and shield to fight Grendel with his hands. Even though this proved to be far
more effective than weapons, Beowulf's intention was to even out the fight, he "bore himself with
valour; he was formidable in battle yet behaved with honour and took no advantage" (2177–2179).
Beowulf's actions prove his honorability which many good characters/heroes in stories across
cultures
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Macbeth Good Vs Evil
Published in 1623, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare is a play about a courageous soldier, Macbeth,
and his power–hungry wife, Lady Macbeth. Beginning with Macbeth receiving a mysterious
prediction from three witches that he would become King of Scotland, but only if he was willing to
commit the murder of his kinsman and ruler, Duncan. After letting his wife know of this prophecy,
Lady Macbeth convinces her indecisive husband that if killing the King means he will take the
throne then it must be done. Throughout Act Two, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are scheming
Duncan's murder while creating the developing the themes of conscience and good versus evil. After
the assassination is completed, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are faced with the constant
...show more
content...
In scene one, Banquo arises from his sleep due to a dream he had of the three witches and his gut
feeling that Macbeth is scheming even if he does not know what it is yet. Macbeth's internal conflict
of good versus evil is displayed with his vision of the floating dagger and his failure to say "Amen".
Macbeth's hallucination regarding the dagger displays his internal struggle between good and evil.
Another example of this theme is Macbeth's struggle to murmur the word "Amen". Describing what
he heard in the midst of his crime to his wife he says, "One cried, "God bless us!" and "Amen" the
other, as they had seen me with these hangman's hands. List'ning their fear, I could not say "Amen"
when they did say "God bless us.'" (Act, II, Scene II, Lines 29–32). This inability to say "Amen,"
adds to the good versus evil because God is closely associated with the goodness in the world and
Macbeth can not say it because he knows that he is not good, which supports his worries of not
making it to Heaven. Another external encounter of the good versus evil occurs when Duncan's
murder has been revealed and Banquo arrives to the scene saying the King's murder was, "Too cruel
anywhere." (Act II, Scene II, Line 87). This shows that Banquo was loyal to his King signifying
good, while his best friend, Macbeth, who committed the murder, symbolized the
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Good Vs Evil Essay
The area between good and evil are muddled with uncertainty and dualistic outcomes. Christopher
Marlowe's complex play, The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, implores readers to evaluate the
theological concepts of good versus evil. This play tells a story of an educated man who signs a deal
with the devil in order to be on the same level as a God
. Through this journey, Faustus fights with
himself over the implications of his actions and becomes scared of his impending damnation.
Despite a breach of contract, Faustus should be damned at the end of The Tragical History of Doctor
Faustus based on the rules that were established and the general theological concepts of good and
evil that are examined throughout the play.
Marlowe's play
...show more content...
The good angel warns Faustus, "gaze not on it, lest it tempt thy soul, / And heap God's heavy wrath
upon thy head" (1.71–72). This is a warning for Faustus against reading the accursed book and
summoning Mephastophilis. The Good Angel tells him precisely what will happen if he continues
down this path. However, the Evil Angel contradicts this by telling Faustus, "Be thou on earth as
Jove is in the sky, / Lord and commander of these elements" (1.76–77). He tempts Faustus into
continuing to practice dark magic, despite the consequences that were just previously explained to
him. Faustus listens to this evil angel and, after speaking with Valdes and Cornelius, declares "that
your words have won me at the last / to practise magic and concealed arts" (1.101–102). At this
point, Faustus has decided to raise a demon who will grant him knowledge and power. This choice
of his is seen when he says, "This night I'll conjure, though I die therefore" (1.106). Faustus knows
what consequences he will face when he performs this action; therefore, he willingly defies God and
all that is good.
Shortly after coming to this conclusion, Faustus raises a demon called Mephastophilis. After
Mephastophilis informs Faustus that he can only do that which Lucifer allows, Faustus offers up a
deal. This deal "surrenders up to him his soul, / So he will spare him four and twenty years" (3.90–
91). The doctor then commands the demon to go back to his lord and "bear these
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Good Vs. Evil
In conclusion, humans are capable of both good and evil. Both of the novels show the protagonist
caring about other people over themselves. Also,they are both hoping for the world to be a better
place.Moretheless, evil is always found all around us, even when we do not know, which also result
in goodness being around us, it is just that we would have to look harder for it.All of this comes
down to it evil is much easier to find than goodness. Both of the authors gave us an idea of how evil
can take control of your life and even take the things you love the most away. The authors also focus
about how good can come at anytime in your life. Also, they focus on the evil of human nature
which teaches us that even the people around us have evil
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
In the epic poem Beowulf, there is an obvious distinction between good and evil. The hero and his
foes play roles that are commonly associated with Anglo–Saxon literature. The lines are clearly
drawn and expressed in the poem. As the story moves, the reader cannot mistake the roles being
played, based on the characterizations in the epic, one recognizes each character for their purpose
and place. The epic is named after the hero, Beowulf
, who is a man "with gleaming armor." (line
130) Because Beowulf is "the strongest of the Geats– greater than anyone in the world" he was
called upon by his uncle Higlac, the king of the Geats, to save Herot from the wrath of Grendel, a
terrible monster. (lines 110–111) With him he "carries...
...show more content...
Eventually, at a ripe old age, Beowulf finally suffers the wrath of the dragon. He epitomizes the
values of a warrior society which include bravery, loyalty, and prowess in battle. As a "bloodthirsty
fiend," Grendel was the first of the foes Beowulf battles. (line 407) He is "a powerful monster," who
"was spawned in... slime." (lines 1, 19) He is a descendant of Cain, and chose to sacrifice the Danes
to no one but himself. Grendel is "set on murder."(49–50) Nothing can "quench his thirst for evil.
(lines 52–53) Grendel stalked Herot and set his wrath loose on all who came to the hall. His mother,
the "she–wolf" lived in an underwater cavern. (line 572) She is the "water witch," one that no one's
"sword could slice her evil skin." (lines 493, 496–497) Both characters are demons living only to
hate, and cause terror in the hearts of those who know of them. The third villain comes much later
than the first two. The dragon is Beowulf's last enemy, and last battle. The beast poured out fire and
smoke, and was one who "coiled and uncoiled" at the sight of a human. (line 673) The dragon
menaces Beowulf's kingdom and as an old man he is forced to fight the beast. The antagonists are
evil and uncaring of human life, each choosing to end it when they please. They are bad and it
shows. One night as Grendel decides to pay a visit to Herot
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Hamlet Good vs Evil Essay
"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark"
–William Shakespeare
Good VS. Evil Why Does Hamlet delay so long in achieving his revenge– what is really stopping
him? There is an inner battle inside Hamlet that no one knows about, good versus evil, stuck
between both worlds. Hamlet is the only one who can decided which world to want to be apart of.
Hamlet
, the story, reveals that the individual can only find meaning by looking inward and living
according to his or her own beliefs and including values. Being and thinking independently is the
key to purpose and inner peace. Unfortunately most human beings fail to find this inner peace
because of the need conform to the group and act according to the desire of others. Why does
is
...show more content...
So Hamlet had plenty of reason to murder Claudius but what took him so long? He had the inner
battle of good vs. evil. Hamlet's 'good side' was telling him that no good would come of this. Hamlet
believes that things should be naturally good, and that people's motives should be fair. Therefore, he
has an immense deal of difficulty in coming to terms with all of the evil that is around him in a
damage world. As Hamlet said himself, "'Tis an unweeded garden that grows to seed; Things rank
and gross in nature possess it merely" (I, ii, 139–141). He was infuriated with the fact that his
mother didn't wait a month to marry his Uncle. So he has every reason to do it. But still no action
has taken place. Another thought that may have caused Hamlets delay it the idea that he isn't sure of
weather or not the ghost he has been seeing is a devil or not. So he doesn't want to commit a murder
for no reason, maybe what the ghost is telling him could be coming from the devil and he wouldn't
want to commit a crime of such. "The spirit that I have seen may be a devil, and the devil hath
power t' assume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps, out of my weakness and my melancholy, as he
is very potent with such sprits, abuses me to damn me. I'll have grounds more relative then this."
(2,2,627–633) For Hamlet to continue to go thru with the murder he comes up with another way to
find out. He wrote the play replicating
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Good Vs. Evil : Good And Evil
As Martin Luther said, "Good works do not make a good man, but a good man does good works;
evil works do not make a wicked man, but a wicked man does evil works" (On Christian Library).
The media is constantly flooded with a consistent stream of negativity. Currently in our small world
we are fighting wars, preventing nuclear fallouts, and even protecting citizens from terrorist attacks.
Notice that all of these instances share one common type of conflict: man versus man. The most
common misconception is the difference between good and bad. What makes someone good; what
makes someone bad? To some extent, there is good and bad in every person. Lead singer of the rock
band The Animals, Eric Burdon, agrees. Burdon was quoted once saying, "Inside each of us, there is
the seed of both good and evil
. It's a constant struggle as to which one will win. And one cannot
exist without the other" (BrainyQuote). The fact of the matter is the following: there are both good
and evil in the world, but there is more than just one determining factor on whether a person or thing
is good or bad. The most common associated word with good is perfect. Many people expect that if
someone has good grades in school, a good family life, and a healthy social life that their life must
be perfect. However, it could mean the quite opposite. What determines a healthy social life when
no two people make the same relationships with others? How can you judge a good family life other
than the fact they may
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Spiderman Good Vs Evil Essay
t the end of the movie, Spiderman defeats the Green Goblin and enforces the motto that good
triumphs over evil. This film conveys to the audience that it stands for honorable values such as
strength, courage and love, as these are the ideals Spiderman stands for. However, the ending of the
film also authenticates the notion that sometimes to overcome evil, the good guy must pay a price.
This is evidenced in the last scene when Peter makes a brave and noble choice to say goodbye to his
true love, Mary Jane. He knows that if he stays with her she may be in danger, so he sacrifices his
desire for a future with her for her safety.
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Good Vs Evil In Beowulf Essay
The battle between good and evil and the inevitable victory of the good is very evident in Beowulf.
There is a power struggle between the divine and the sinister throughout the novel, and the divine
come out on top, every time. No matter who Beowulf decides to fight, he always leaves victorious.
It also shows how disgusting, cruel, and dehumanized all of his opponents are. This all ties together
to show us this idea of a struggle between the good and the evil in Beowulf
. The first beast that
Beowulf battles is a hideous, demonic, blood–thirsty creature named Grendel. Grendel continuously
attacks and eats humans for food, and to a degree for joy. In line 285 the epic says, "Out from the
marsh, from the foot of misty hills and bogs, bearing God
's hatred, Grendel came.". The epic here is
telling us how evil Grendel is, how he came from a filthy marsh, and how he is filled with hatred.
This highlights the pure evil that Beowulf is battling. In line 366 it says, "That mighty protector of
men meant to hold the monster till its life leaped out.". Here the epic is calling Beowulf the mighty
protector, which is emphasizing his larger–than–life qualities and his kindness. It shows us how
fearless, courageous, and kind Beowulf is to protect the Danes from such a terrifying monster. In
line 359 it says, "Screams of the Almighty's enemy sang in the darkness.". Here the epic is
describing Grendel's pathetic screams in his defeat, and calling Beowulf the, "Almighty". It portrays
the idea
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Essay Good versus Evil
Good versus Evil Ever since the start of time, from stories being told by mothers to their children all
the way through modern films, good versus evil has been a very common theme. Disney classic
movies such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Hercules, and many others would always have a plot
centered on this idea, along with love, for little kids. The kids that watched the movies since they
were little would always be glad to watch it again when they are older because it is a very simple
theme that outstands the test of time unlike any other movie that's a trend now such as the annoying,
overrated, Twilight series. At least for me I still love the Disney Classics and probably always will.
In The Scarlet Letter there are many
...show more content...
Showing good and evil
; Chillingworth, Pearl, and Dimmesdale all had an impression of one or the
other. Chillingworth thought he was doing good for revenging Hester and himself by getting
revenge on Dimmesdale. Hester at first was unsure if she wanted him to revenge her but quickly
realized revenge was not the way. Hester and Dimmesdale deem Chillingworth as evil for torturing
Dimmesdale even if Chillingworth believes he is doing good. Pearl is also viewed as good and evil.
The towns' people believe that Pearl is a devil child for being the child of a sinner. Hester believes
that Pearl was paid with the greatest treasure "Pearl keeps me here in life! Pearl punishes me too!
See ye not, she is the scarlet letter, only capable of being loved" (pg. 103). Being faced with good
and evil, just not as publicly, was Dimmesdale. Many saw Dimmesdale as a person that would never
sin because of his powerful sermons believing him to be good. Dimmesdale on the inside though,
thought he was the worst sinner of all, no one knowing his secret. He tortures himself by not
sleeping or eating for days and through physical pain to deal with the sin he has committed. The
book offers many examples of good versus evil and one of them is through the use of the setting.
When hester looked at the suit of armor in governor Bellingham's home, all she saw was the scarlet
letter. The suit of armor is symbolized as a noble,
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Good Vs. Evil, By Flannery O ' Connor
In the short story "A good Man is Hard to Find" written by Flannery O'Connor in 1953 and set in the
rural southern United States, there are many themes, such as the importance of family, good versus
evil, and Christian theology. The theme of good versus evil is more prominent throughout the story.
This analysis will attempt to prove the theme of good versus evil that is present throughout all
aspects, as seen in its characters, motifs, and symbolism, of thus producing a compelling and
adventurous piece of literature.
In this tale a family takes a vacation to Florida where a murderer who calls himself the Misfit, who
was well designed by O'Connor to represent the grotesque qualities of humanity, has just escaped
from prison. During a brief lunch break in which the grandmother and store owner, Red Sammy,
lament the ills of society and reminisce about how much better life used to be and how no one is
good anymore; while ironically, they themselves are not the best people. Later, after a misinformed
wrong turn, the grandmother's smuggled cat gets loose and causes a damaging wreck, this angers her
son Bailey but he doesn't confront her immediately, he needs to attend to his wife who has suffered a
broken shoulder. After a few minutes the Misfit and his henchmen find them and get out of their
vehicle, they look like they might be about to offer help but the grandmother recognizes the Misfit
and makes it obvious.
Now that the stage and plot have been set for "A Good Man is hard to
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Essay On Good Vs Evil Archetypes
Most stories, movies, and myths have the simple archetype of Good vs. Evil. This particular
archetype can often be confusing, because in stories the reader is often lead to believe that
something or someone represents good or evil, but it does not. More often than not the evil character
is either crazy or was raised wrongly. Evil characters in Good vs. Evil stories are often not truly evil
but either mental unstable or not taught right from wrong.
The entirety of the Inheritance series is based on two archetypes, Good vs. Evil and Man vs. Man.
These two archetypes are the underlying archetypes. Each book also has its own archetypes that
overlays the first two mentioned. One of the overlying archetypes, Crime pursued by Vengeance, is
only overlying throughout the first three books of the series, Eragon
, Eldest, and the 1st quarter of
Brisingr
. The main character
's
...show more content...
Man, Woman vs. The Supernatural, and Woman vs. Self. The story also has the overlying archetypes
of Revenge, Temptation, The Quest, Love, Maturation, and Transformation. In The Young Elites the
main character is fighting a kingdom, herself, and other supernatural people. The main character
also helps her lover take revenge upon his family, the royal family. Up until he dies, she is on a quest
to exact that revenge. Along the way her ability to create illusions, along with the frequency with
which she uses it, begins to degrade her mind she begins to hallucinate and become mentally
unhinged. This is where the reader comes into contact with the Madness archetype. She goes
through a period of maturation and transformation to become a powerful force, which overthrows
the kingdom which fits in the Ascension archetype. The Good vs. Evil archetype is visible here in
the main character vs. Her hallucinations which often coerce her into killing innocents. It is
confusing because the evil force seems like the royal family, but it is not
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Human Nature: Good or Evil? Essay
For centuries many philosophers, as well as most individuals, have pondered on the question what is
good and what is evil. More–so philosophers of all ages have also stumbled upon a more in depth
question which is if the intuitive knowledge of man's nature is good, or if it is evil. Many have
claimed to have an answer to these puzzling questions yet most of their answers were found to be
incomplete and inadequate at a later date. Religion also tried to provide a solution but to my
understanding only caused more of an entanglement if anything. According to the current definition
from Webster, good is defined as morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious; where as evil is
defined as morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked. One could
...show more content...
Would these people be considered evil and if so how did they become this way? Were they born this
was or was it some sort of external forces that led them to become evil? Well according to Hsun Tao,
another Chinese philosopher, humans were born of an evil nature and with some sort of guidance
from a teacher could learn to become good. He believed that what is natural to human beings is
desire and desire inevitably leads to conflict; since this is evil then so is the nature the results within.
Yet referring back to the young child and well example, why would most people do the right thing?
Is it because they are taught to be good again is it something that is deeper? However, another
Chinese philosopher, Kao Tzu, beleived that human nature is neither inherently good nor inherently
evil but rather a "blank slate" that could be conditioned in both directions. When an individual is
born he/she has no ideas or preexisting behaviors but that through life experiences and external
forces, such as family and friends, that influence ones human nature. Or according to John Locke
"the mind at birth is a blank white sheet of paper on which experience writes." Religion also claims
to provide a solution for whether human nature is initially good or evil but this of course varies upon
the religion. According to Catholicism everyone who has been born is tainted with original sin
which according to the bible is an inclination to evil caused
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Good vs. Evil
Good Vs. Evil
In Beowulf, the conflict between good and evil is the poem 's main and most important aspect. The
poet makes it clear that good and evil doesn't exist as only opposites, but that both qualities are
present in everyone. Beowulf represents the ability to do good or to perform acts selflessly and in
help of others. Goodness is also showed throughout this epic as having the ability to cleanse evil.
Even though evil is presented by Grendel
, Grendel 's mother, and the dragon, who are filled with a
desire to act against people and ultimately destroy them, even pride, a human quality, is presented in
Beowulf as a sign that evil exists. This story might even be considered a classic because it mainly
talks about the old fashion
...show more content...
He often talked about his accomplishments saying, "They had seen me bolstered in the blood of
enemies when I battled and bound five beasts, raided a troll–nest and in the night– sea slaughtered
sea–brutes." (Beowulf 419–422), which shows how good can also be a bit proud. In the end, though,
most of the time good will always defeat evil but good won't always stay alive. For example, in the
end of Beowulf, although Grendel was killed by Beowulf as well as his mother, Beowulf still dies.
In other words, just because evil is defeated doesn't mean good will always live.
On a different but similar note, is Grendel 's mother, who is seen as vengeful. Different, because she
isn 't the same type of evil that Grendel is, but similar because she is still an opponent to both men
and the society of man at the time that Beowulf was written, or rather, spoken. Also, Grendel 's
mother is tainted in the opposite way that Grendel is; while Grendel is given a humanistic point of
view, people try to dehumanize Grendel 's mother. While she is indeed just as evil as Grendel was,
she does not represent the utter evil that man must fight to achieve immortality. She is a symbol of
defiance of man, but she can be seen as more of a neutral symbol. Grendel 's mother doesn 't attack
Heorot because she doesn 't like it. She attacks it because Beowulf killed her only son, "But now his
mother had sallied forth on a savage journey, grief–racked and
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Good Vs Evil
The thing that stood out the most to me was that the authors approached the concept of evil from
many different angles. There was no one concise definition, cause, or kind of evil. Amongst all of
these angles, an important point that almost all of the authors seem to touch on is the idea of evil and
good being mutually exclusive. This idea proposes that there can be no evil without the opposing
idea of good, and vice versa. The authors explored this idea in depth, and there were many different
opinions on the matter. Some authors feel that humans are inherently good, while others believe we
are inherently evil, and still others believe something entirely different. While all of the articles
made important points and contributed to my general understanding of the concept of evil, I would
like to focus on Eberts and Staub in this journal.
Staub postulates that, "...
human beings have the potential for both goodness and evil" (12). He
suggests this after giving several examples of people who believe that people
...show more content...
I find Staub's belief of a neutral human that can be swayed by circumstances, and Eberts' belief that
free will impacts the relationship between good and evil to be interesting. With this in mind, I have
come to several conclusions based on my personal beliefs. Firstly, good and evil cannot exist
without each other, because humans can perceive the difference. Secondly, humans are not
inherently good or evil. I also believe that circumstances do play an important role in the
development of a person, but that people's choices (because we have free will) in these
circumstances are what makes us good or evil. People subjected to the same circumstances will turn
out on different ends of the good/evil spectrum according to how strong their wills are. Evil is not a
set concept, nor is there a consistent scale by which good or evil can be measured by as it is
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Arguments Against The Existence Of God
The argument from evil (or problem of evil) is the argument that an all–powerful, all–knowing, and
perfectly good God would not allow any or certain kinds of evil or suffering to occur. Unlike the
logical argument from evil, which holds that the existence of God (so defined) is logically
incompatible with some known fact about evil
, the evidential (or probabilistic) argument from evil
contends that some known fact about evil is evidence against the existence of God
. For instance, one
version of the argument contends that the biological role of pain and pleasure is much more likely
on naturalism than theism (e.g., Paul Draper).
Other versions of the evidential argument concede that God could have a morally sufficient reason
for allowing certain evils to occur e.g., to ensure that some greater good is achieved as a
consequence of an evil. However, proponents add, God would only allow as much evil or suffering
as is absolutely necessary in order to achieve greater goods. But when we look at the world around
us, we find prevalent instances of apparently gratuitous evil pointless evils from which no greater
good seems to result. According to proponents, the existence of apparently gratuitous evil provides
strong evidence that God (as traditionally defined) does not exist
...show more content...
According to the unknown purpose defense (UPD), God allows apparently pointless suffering for
some reason that we can't comprehend. The free will defense (FWD) maintains that God has to
allow the existence of some evil in order to preserve human free will (e.g., Alvin Plantinga, Robert
Adams). Finally, the soul–making theodicy (SMT) contends that God allows some evil because it
builds positive character in the victims or in others which outweighs the negative value of the evil
itself (e.g., John
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Good Vs Evil Research Paper
Good vs. Evil
The world can make or break us, but it depends on if they let society change your way of life and
being. Innocence is a trait that we are born with they do not have enough knowledge to act in evil. It
is the way people are raised, society and even human nature that enhances a negative toll on people.
From birth we only learn what we are taught. If their r up bringing is full of corruption and tragedies
you are most likely to have a heinous person. As stated in the article "Roots of Evil" "the
unmistakable lesson is that ordinary 'good' people, devoted to their families, their religion and their
country, are capable of inflicting horrific harm on those whom they dehumanize and demonize"
(roots of evil, p10,pg 3 sharon begley). This meaning that people can easily be influenced by the
people they trust in the most to lead them to make wrathful decisions, but, ultimately if a person was
raised parentless , their outcome would be substandard due to the fact that they were never taught
any morals and they could not contradict between right and wrong. Better yet, if a person has a very
structured lifestyle with great parents that teach them good morals then there is a better chance they
will turn out congenial.
This goes along with society. "The danger of trying to explain evil is that we risk falling into the
abyss of predestination: that given these life events, this social surround and
...show more content...
"The mind is its own place, and in itself Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n...Here we may
reign secure, and in my choice to reign is worth ambition " (Paradise lost.120–21). This explaining
humans can't be naturally born to act evil but it can
In the end it is you how chooses if you do the evil thing or a good thing., People are generally born
good, but there are many factors that can leave a person to act watchful. The way someone is raised
has an impact as well as society and human
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde Good Vs Evil
Robert Louis Stevenson's Novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", good vs. evil is
the biggest theme. This story is seen as a metaphor about the good and evil in everyone, and the
struggle of the two sides in everyone's personality. Since Hyde starts to take over, I could argue that
evil is stronger than good. But, Mr. Hyde ends up dying in the end of the story, so I could claim that
the good of someone can overcome the evil in you. Overall, Stevenson is trying to communicate
with the reader about the balance of good and evil in humans, also that your balance of good and
evil has different results/effects in your life. One of Stevenson's ways of communicating about the
balance of good and evil is that suppressing one's desires and passions is a big cause of the troubles
caused by the setting. The suppression in the novella is that in the area it's taken place
...show more
content...
For example, Utterson's curiosity for his good friend Jekyll makes him want to uncover the mystery
of this evil man. Friendship acts as a motivator and enabler because his friendships help him
discover crucial pieces of information. But on the contrary, the friendship between Lanyon and
Jekyll isn't as good because it is mainly anger and arguing. Stevenson shows that your balance of
good and evil can ruin friendships by having differences of opinions. Robert Louis Stevenson's
communication of the balance of good and evil can be broken down to three simple things. One,
when you're suppress your feelings and needs (the evil) it slowly starts becoming stronger and
stronger until it takes over. Two, your appearance is affected by the way you choose to balance
yourself. Three, friendships can be ruined or could help you when you need someone by having
difference of opinions. In conclusion, balancing your good and evil sides of your personality can
have big changes for you and the people around
Get more content on StudyHub.Vip
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help