Grendel Vs. Beowulf Essay -- Epic of Beowulf Essays

GrendelOne of the to the highest degree compelling and highly developed characters in the novel Grendel, written by John Gardner, and the poem Beowulf, written by an anonymous poet, is the monster, Grendel. Even though these pieces show two different sides to Grendel they are similar in more ways. Grendel evokes sympathy toward the hideous monster by making him seem manage the victim, while Beowulf portrays him as being the most loathsome of enemies. The reasons behind Grendel&8217s being, his killing, and finally his death make him one of the most controversial and notorious monsters in literature. Grendel is the man-killing monster that Beowulf portrayed him as being, yet he is also the lonely victim of a judgmental world.Grendel is a descendent of Cain and is strained to live with the inherited curse of being denied God&8217s presence. Cain&8217s lineage has been known to spawn monsters, trolls, giants, and other undesirable beings, all of which were spurned from society. Beowulf and Grendel both speak of Grendel&8217s ancestor Cain, almost as if exploitation it as an excuse for his rash and murderous actions. Beowulf told of a Grendel that mercilessly attacked Hrothgar&8217s meadhall killing men without reason. Grendel also speaks of this evil monster, but in a more sympathetic and excusable manner. Grendel is thought of as &8220the guardian of sins and is the physical equivalent to a man that has been shunned by God. He is des...