Compare and Contrast Grendel Essay
At first glance, both Grendel in the novel and in the poem are the same. Both are perceived as to having the exact characteristics in both the novel and the poem. Though, going in depth, Grendel in the novel compared to the poem in Beowulf has a major difference in ways that Grendel in the novel gives more understanding on his perspective in life, Grendel in the novel wants companionship, and Grendel in the poem is showcased as a ruthless, evil, and cruel character.
In John Gardner's novel, Grendel is regarded as a monster who gives more perspective in his life, and readers are able to go in depth into the monster's views and what he believes. “I understood that, finally and absolutely, I alone exist. …show more content…
“’Why can’t I have someone to talk to?’ I said. The stars said nothing, but I pretended to ignore the rudeness. ‘The shaper has people to talk to,’ I said. I wrung my fingers. Hrothgar has people to talk to’” (Page 53). In general, when Grendel is thought of, many think of him to be this cruel, merciless, heartless being. Gardner’s novel shows a side of Grendel that illustrates an ache that he yearns for camaraderie. “I was Grendel, Ruiner of Meadhalls, Wrecker of Kings! But also, as never before, I was alone” (Page 80). With all these titles given to the character, he was given the names with no one by his side. In contrast, the epic poem in Beowulf doesn’t give an idea about how Grendel wanted any type of friendship. Presumably, based on the reading of the poem, Grendel can be showcased as being enjoyed with himself with the murders he commits. The poem doesn’t permit a susceptible side of Grendel in wanting company by his side. In the novel, it also demonstrates a side where Grendel questions his existence. With a philosophical mind, he pondered on the world and how it came to be along with his reason to live in
At first glance, both Grendel in the novel and in the poem are the same. Both are perceived as to having the exact characteristics in both the novel and the poem. Though, going in depth, Grendel in the novel compared to the poem in Beowulf has a major difference in ways that Grendel in the novel gives more understanding on his perspective in life, Grendel in the novel wants companionship, and Grendel in the poem is showcased as a ruthless, evil, and cruel character.
In John Gardner's novel, Grendel is regarded as a monster who gives more perspective in his life, and readers are able to go in depth into the monster's views and what he believes. “I understood that, finally and absolutely, I alone exist. …show more content…
“’Why can’t I have someone to talk to?’ I said. The stars said nothing, but I pretended to ignore the rudeness. ‘The shaper has people to talk to,’ I said. I wrung my fingers. Hrothgar has people to talk to’” (Page 53). In general, when Grendel is thought of, many think of him to be this cruel, merciless, heartless being. Gardner’s novel shows a side of Grendel that illustrates an ache that he yearns for camaraderie. “I was Grendel, Ruiner of Meadhalls, Wrecker of Kings! But also, as never before, I was alone” (Page 80). With all these titles given to the character, he was given the names with no one by his side. In contrast, the epic poem in Beowulf doesn’t give an idea about how Grendel wanted any type of friendship. Presumably, based on the reading of the poem, Grendel can be showcased as being enjoyed with himself with the murders he commits. The poem doesn’t permit a susceptible side of Grendel in wanting company by his side. In the novel, it also demonstrates a side where Grendel questions his existence. With a philosophical mind, he pondered on the world and how it came to be along with his reason to live in