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Grendel Character Analysis

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Grendel: A Human Within a Monster After years of terrorizing the town of Hrothgar and being looked down upon as the monstrous descendent of Cain, Grendel is locked up in the darkness and is gaining resentment and hostility toward mankind. On the outside where he appears as a terrifying demon, he inherits humanistic, animalistic, and supernatural characteristics on the inside. With his ability to eat flesh, garner super strength, and express human emotions, these qualities exhibit Grendel as more of a three-dimensional character rather than just a typical monster. In an animalistic point of view, Grendel appears to have a strong, bearlike physique that “…hunts at night in the darkness.” and has “swift hard claws, powerful jaws, and great teeth” …show more content…

With Grendel, he was imprisoned in Herot for years and felt the drive to plot against those that did him wrong. He had a long history of unhappiness for living “…in the land of monsters since the Creator cast them out as a kindred of Cain (103-06)” (Stitt). He was discriminated due to where he came from, and aggression overcame him when he was being mistreated by mankind. His aggressive behavior made him have a “…grotesque form” and always made him “greedy for human flesh” (Stitt). Through his attacks, he had feelings of satisfaction when he tore apart his prey because he sought vengeance and gained power over those who opposed him. However, in his battle with Beowulf, he noticed that this proposed hero was just as strong as he was, but more courageous and glorious. “His mind was flooded with fear…Grendel’s one thought was to run from Beowulf, flee back to his marsh, and hide there” (pg. 416, lines 276-79) and his “hatred rose higher, but his power had gone.” (pg. 418, lines 337-38). Grendel’s insecurities got the best of him and he became powerless instantly. As a descendant of Cain, he was already set for being a demon that wants nothing more than to spread evil amongst everyone. Perhaps if he was treated like any other human, then his aggressive behavior would not have been exhibited throughout the town and he would not act in a manner of disrespect towards

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