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Frankenstein And Grendel Comparison Essay

826 Words4 Pages

Mary Shelley’s epistolary novel Frankenstein published in 1818, and John Gardner’s novel Grendel, published in 1971, are two classic literary monsters novels. Sharing many similarities, themes, styles, and monsters created through unnatural means. Grendel and the creature in Frankenstein are often considered monsters due to their physical appearances and actions. However, these assumptions are accurate; Grendel, and the creatures are not only monsters but rather true monsters. They are evil and inhuman while causing harm to others. The true monster of Frankenstein is the creature that can be seen through the several violent and destructive acts in the novel the creature commits, including the murder of Victor Frankenstein’s younger brother William, as well as Victor's friend Henry Clerval. “The mildness of my nature had fled, and all within me was turned to gall and bitterness. “For the first time, the feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom, and I did not strive to control them, but allowing myself to be borne away by the stream, I bent my mind towards injury and death” (16). The creature's actions are driven by a desire for revenge against his creator, whom he blames for his miserable existence and rejection by society. In this sense, …show more content…

Grendel is a powerful, evil creature that terrorizes the people of Heorot. Grendel’s violent behavior towards innocent people clearly indicates his monstrous nature. Grendel regularly attacks the people of Heorot, killing and devouring them without remorse. “An evil idea came over me-so evil it made me shiver as I smiled-and I sidled across to the table” (83). A desire for violence and destruction drives him, and his attacks cause widespread fear and panic among the people. Just like Frankenstein creature, Grendel lacks empathy and disregard for human life. He shows no remorse for his violent actions and seems to enjoy causing pain and

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