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Structurally, Beowulf is divided into three main parts, each one of which centers around Beowulf's confrontation with a particular monster: first Grendel, then Grendel's mother, then, fifty years later, the dragon. Each monster functions symbolically as a force of evil against which can be tested the moral force of the heroic code of honor explored throughout the epic, represented physically by Beowulf, the hero who most perfectly adheres to that code. The inventory of traits …

…his Christian ethic and the clearly un-Christian events of the narrative. He constantly makes asides imputing themes and behaviors to Christian principles (Beowulf knows that he owes all his strength to God, Grendel is a son of Cain, etc.), but ultimately the tension between the Christian ethic of the poet and the pagan aura of the story is irresolvable; it animates the epic throughout, imparting a heightened tension and a more ominous feeling of suspense.