Grendel Analysis Essay

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In the epic Beowulf, the malevolent Grendel is terrorizing Hrothgar’s men as he reigns over their land for twelve years. He is a creature that is feared by all and is very unforgiving. The way Grendel goes about his life, the way he kills people without remorse is inhumane. But with this knowledge we have of Grendel as a monster, the question arises of what really defines the monster. Society’s idea of a monster ranges anywhere from animals of a greater strength than humans, to beings with deformities that cause them to look ‘abnormal’. All ideas of a monster come down to one basic idea; they are entities that provoke fear. Grendel fits this archetype well, as he is a symbol of the Dane’s fear of an “evil”, overpowering, invading force in their kingdom.
Grendel’s first act of hatred towards the town, proving his evil ways, is his initial attack on Herot. The text says that as they are rejoicing, “Grendel lurks…seething with resentment and hatred for humans”. His arrival is so soon after the building of Herot, while the Danes are all rejoicing over its resurrection. The main signifi...

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