Similarities Between Grendel And Beowulf

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In the novel Grendel by John Gardner, the perspective of the famous villain Grendel from the epic poem Beowulf is explored. Gardner’s interpretation of the monster Grendel is very unique. While the Beowulf epic depicts Grendel as nothing but a beast with the sole purpose of the destruction of man, the novel shows that Grendel was not born a monster, but was made one. Stuck halfway between man and beast, Grendel exemplifies what it means to be alone. Although he is able to think and act for himself, Grendel is shunned by man due to his unsightly appearance. Even worse, Grendel is not entirely beast either, and is appalled by the purely instinctual nature of animals. The concept of being completely alone is one that can only be adequately described
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