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Grendel's Character Analysis

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Grendel’s idea of himself changes throughout the book, as he grows and meets new people. At first Grendel wonders what his purpose in this world is? Why was he created? Curiosity then turns into frustration and anger, he can’t answer his question. At one point Grendel even asks the Heaven for answer, “I ask the sky. The sky says nothing, predictably. I make a face, uplift a defiant, middle finger, and give and obscene little kick”(6). This shows that after that Grendel has lost hope in ever knowing who he is, but will take out his frustration. Without an answer he now believes that he doesn’t have a purpose, that he’s existence was just a coincidence. For example, he says “Pointless, ridiculous monster crouched in the shadows, stinking of dead men, murdered …show more content…

Grendel’s hatred for men grew, and he was even more evil. For example, “My heart became darker because of that”(76). He felt as though he had finally become something in life and called himself “Grendel, Ruiner of Mead Halls, Wrecker of Kings”(80). However, he also goes on to say that he felt more alone than ever even if he knew his purpose now. Moreover, was still bored he wanted to be in an epic battle since no one could match him. This changes in chapter 9, when the monster sees a group of men arrive, one of them extremely strong which made Grendel have two emotions. For instance, “I could drop into trance with those shoulders. He was dangerous. And yet I was excited, suddenly alive”(155). Grendel now knew that his other purpose was to fight this strong man, and might not win this time. The monster wondered if he was ready for this, and if he was scared. In conclusion, he was right when the two were confronted even though it started good for him it ended bad. Beowulf defeated the monster, as he was dying Grendel wondered if he was happy because he accomplished his destiny or

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