Frankenstein And Grendel Similarities

In their respective novels, the monster from Frankenstein and Grendel from the novel share many similarities as well as differences that can be seen throughout their separate novels. While the number of differences between the two novels are abundant, we will mostly be looking at how each of these two complex novels are similar to each other. In focusing on their similarities we look at how they both feel alone and isolated, they both want companionship, and they both are at times enticed by humanity.

One of the biggest similarities between Grendel from the novel and the Monster from Frankenstein is that they both feel alone and isolated. The biggest problem that faces the monster from Frankenstein is that he is alone, he is the only one of

We have established that the monster from Frankenstein is one of a kind and feels alone, this brings up one of his main goals, seeking a life companion. In the novel, when talking to Victor, the monster states, ““You must create a female for me, with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my being…””(Shelley 125) The monsters’ goal in the novel is not to hurt victor as some might argue, but to achieve a companion that will not shun him. While, trying to achieve this goal leads to suffering and hardships to many in the novel, it is seen that the reason is to fulfill one of humanities’ basic goals, achieve a companion. In the novel Grendel, we see that Grendel is also wanting a companion or friend to talk to. When he is in his cave alone, Grendel states, ““Why can’t I have someone to talk to?” I said. The stars said nothing, but I pretended to ignore the rudeness.” (Gardner 53) While Grendel isn’t completely alone because he has his mother, the difference in language prevents communication or connection that would normally be provided. Since he has no one to talk to, he not only feels alone, but he also is in search for a friend/companion. This similarity can be seen in both novels as an indicator of the loneliness both characters’

In the novel Frankenstein, the beginning of the monsters’ journey reveals of a family that the monster was enticed by, mostly by the music of the old man. While talking about the family, the monster states, ““…The old man, who, taking up an instrument, began to play, and to produce sounds sweeter than the voice of the thrush or the nightingale. It was a lovely sight, even to me, poor wretch! Who had never beheld aught beautiful before.”” (Shelley 91) This shows how the monster was enticed by the old mans’ playing of an instrument, a surprising feat considering the monster was ostracized by humanity. This shows that even the coldest of creatures can succumb to the simplest pleasures of humanity. Similarly, Grendel from the novel also faces the same enticement by the lyrics of the shaper. Grendel states that, “I listened, felt myself swept up. I knew very well that all he said was ridiculous, not light for their darkness but flattery, illusion, a vortex pulling them from sunlight to heat, a kind of midsummer burgeoning, waltz to the sickle. Yet I was swept up.” (Gardner 48) Grendel, as much as he dislikes humanity cannot seem to pull away or forget the shapers’ words. This shows that Grendel liked and even believed in what the shaper was saying, and was for a moment enticed by his words. These two creatures both took pleasure in the sounds and stories that were told by