What is evil?

[Sacred_Heart_1]

Hello, friends!
I have an essay due soon; its topic is on the questions: “What is evil?” and “Where does evil come from?”
I realize this answer is relatively simple to most Catholics, but my teacher is not religious. If you don’t mind, what is the official Catholic definition of evil? And how could/should I try to explain it in my essay?
Also, we’re to use two of the three following works to reference: *Beowulf, Mackbeth, * and Lord of the Flies.
All help is much appreciated!
Thanks

Evil is the transgression of a moral code. Catholics have a more solid moral code and therefore the definition of evil becomes more expansive.

In the reference works. Try to figure out which moral code is being used for the work. Then define evil from that perspective.