Journal 10

Journal 10

                Grendel, the antagonist in the poem Beowulf, becomes the narrator in Grendel. In Beowuf Grendel is displayed as a monstrous being, evil, and a descendent of Cain; but in the book Grendel we see a much different portrayal of Grendel. In Grendel, Grendel is portrayed as innocent, immature, and even kind-hearted. This is shown when Grendel tries to do an act of kindness when seeing a dead body; Grendel tries to present the body to the people in the mead-hall. However, when Grendel presents himself, due to his image, he is chased out of the hall. Most readers would not have seen this side of Grendel if the story wasn’t from his personal account. Gardner may have done this purposely in his book in order to give the other side not given in Beowulf. The use of Grendel as the narrator allows us to enter a new world; allowing us to see the character through his mind and personal accounts. We come to see how Grendel became the way he is. Through the story Grendel evolves as this monstrous being.  In the beginning of the story we see the innocence and insecurity of Grendel when he yells at the ram to move. We learn, through Grendel, the reasons for his murderous rampage; where at first Grendel tries not to kill but after Grendels encounter with the Dragon he grows a new rage towards the humans. Gardner’s use of having Grendel as the narrator is the best way for him to tell the story. Who better to explain the character of Grendel than Grendel? This also allows us to get both sides of the story, not only through the human’s eyes but also through the monsters.

                Grendel being a monster affects the way he speaks greatly; in the beginning we see Grendel’s inexperience of language. Grendel repeats curse words when he gets mad that he doesn’t quite understand. In the first couple chapters Grendal has trouble speaking with the humans; where he repeats words that the humans don’t understand. It is not until Unferth that Grendel makes a successful conversation with a human. Later in the story we see Grendel‘s advancement in language and thought, where he shows his philosophies and theorems. Due to the fact that Grendel is a monster, he is isolated from humans and even his mother. This isolation cause the readers to have sympathy for Grendel that otherwise would not be given. Also, through this isolation Grendel experiences the human society through observation. We see a different side of humans, with a more monstrous side, where humans are described by Grendel as animals that have pointless battles killing one another with lack of remorse. However, if told by the point of view of a human, the act of war would symbolize loyalty and bravery.  Grendel grows through the story morally as a person. This is seen when he comes to the point where he spares life instead of taking it, much like in the beginning. Grendel spares Unferth mocking his true desires to become a hero. This shows that Grendel understands Unferth’s desires and finds more satisfaction in defeating him mentally rather than physically. We also see Grendel’s desire to not want to cross over to the side of the dragon. This is seen when he spares Wealtheow’s life, even though he has every intention to kill him. Grendel being a monster changes the course of the book.  The book is now written through the point of view of someone who is trying to adapt and understand humans; rather than humans themselves.  Grendel’s monstrous characteristics show a much different side to the story that if told   other way wouldn’t be demonstrated.