The monsters could be said to represent the forces of nature in their seemingly perennial struggle against civilization. In this case, it's Anglo-Saxon civilization that's under threat from Grendel, his hideous mother, and the dragon. It's notable that Grendel chooses to do his killing at night, venturing out into the darkness while the Danes are feasting at Heorot, before returning to his gloomy lair. In this, Grendel represents unconquered nature, something that not even the bravest Danish warrior has been able to tame.
In this reading, the forces of nature are presented as a real and present danger to the Danes and the Geats as well as an abiding threat to civilization and human progress in general. Just as Grendel, his mother, and the dragon must be vanquished, so too must the forces of nature. The Danes and Geats have an exploitative attitude to the world around them. Their natural environment is a resource to be used for all it's worth. If nature can't be completely conquered, it can at least be tamed. Only in this way can the Danes and the Geats ever truly be at peace with their natural surroundings.
In Beowulf, the society's values are epitomized in Beowulf himself and in the other warriors. Social order is heavily dependent on the protection of these warriors and is supported by adherence to the values they represent. These warriors stand for honor, nobility, loyalty, bravery, and self-sacrifice.
The three main monsters are Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon.
Grendel is an outcast. He roams around alone randomly attacking Heorot's people, including the warriors. Human happiness and music enrage him. Both by being antisocial and frequently killing members of society, he threatens social order.
Grendel's mother comes to avenge her son's death. She has become stronger and more fearsome in her grief and rage. Because she shares Grendel's violent ways, she also endangers social order and must die.
The dragon threatens order by attacking the Geats, so it must be eliminated.
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