“Grendel” by John Gardner details the life of Grendel, a monster, who observes and interacts with the human world. Grendel’s villainy is characterized by his desperation to find purpose and meaning in a cruel world that isolates him. Villains are not born, they’re created. Grendel begins as a curious young mind that is entranced by the world of humans. However, in his attempt to communicate with the humans, they attack him in fear. Despite this, Grendel cannot contain his desire for a community and the beautiful world painted by the humans. His internal struggle with rejection and yearning is deeply tormenting. It comes to a climax as Grendel goes to the humans and begs them for relief. Nonetheless, it is futile as the humans once again attack …show more content…
However, he is capable of holding back on his violence as displayed by his interactions with Unferth. Unferth is a budding hero that Grendel spares each time on his raids. It is Grendel’s way of developing a connection, something that he still longs for, even if it is unconventional. He also takes out part of his rage on Unferth by destroying his heroic ideals through sparing Unferth. Grendel’s conversation with the dragon solidified the boundary between hopes and reality, something Grendel is now doing to Unferth. Another instance where Grendel stops himself is his observation of Wealtheow. Her queenly nature and beautiful personality gives him hope of salvation as she can even forgive traitors like Unferth. This spark of hope remains in Grendel and causes polarizing thoughts in himself. Grendel ends this internal conflict by violently attacking the humans and destroying Wealthoew’s image. His heinous actions are a subconscious manifestation of his attempt to extinguish the flame of hope and prevent himself from falling for these desires. The examples of restraint illustrate Grendel’s self-control and ability to give up antagonizing the humans. Still, Grendel is motivated to continue his terror as a way to have meaning in this world even though he, in turn, plays into the mechanical role of his villainy and actually loses meaning in his actions. His villainous nature is a greater reflection of his