Journal 5

Grendel Character Analysis

 

       In Grendel by John Gardner, the character Grendel from the ancient Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf is given an immensely deeper character profile that portrays him in a complex manner, both justifying his raiding of villages and highlighting his disgusting nature. The book is partially a new story, but is mainly intended to shed light on both Grendel and the kingdom he torments. The book accomplishes this through giving Grendel a background, showing his perspective on Hrothgar’s kingdom, and shedding light on many other aspects of Beowulf.   

      Grendel’s actions prior to the arrival of Beowulf reveal a lot about the character the reader may not have considered previously. When the story shows Grendel as he first encounters man, he is curious and studies them with the intention of nonviolent interaction with them. However, Grendel is sensitive to criticism. When he is rejected by man, Grendel is left lonely, frustrated, and confused. This is apparent in the scene where he hears a scop mention that beings descendant from Cain are evil.

     In time he turns to a dragon for wisdom. Following his conversation, he embraces his evil nature and begins to relentlessly torment the village as he does in Beowulf. He does so through regularly raiding the mead hall and murdering people in the woods. Grendel particularly torments the hero Unferth for his gallantry in repeatedly trying to kill Grendel, always unsuccessful due to a dragon’s charm that left Grendel almost invincible.

    Other aspects of the epic also factor into understanding Grendel. The cave Grendel lives in is given a lonely, dark, disgusting feel, covered with rotting flesh and lined with cold stone walls. This is in stark contrast to Hrothgar’s village, which is filled with somewhat cheery people when it is introduced. Additionally, in contrast to the optimistic feel earlier in the story, the feel of the village changes to edgy with the repeated attacks from Grendel. The forest is also an important part of understanding Grendel. The forest has an isolated, hazardous feel with no one for Grendel to relate to.

    With all of this in mind, the reader get’s a much better understanding of (Gardner’s) Grendel. We see that he is sensitive, clever, curious, and lonely. This way, it is easier to relate to Grendel than in “Beowulf”. However, he is also shown as more menacing, naive, cynical, and pessimistic, which makes him still very unattractive. Likewise, the reader can be able to determine things that Grendel may symbolize. In respect to how he constantly raided Hrothgar’s village, Grendel behaves as an ever present, looming danger. This would have been very relevant to Anglo-Saxons because he would be like the risk of an enemy kingdom’s attack. He also seems to symbolize attachment from society, especially because he is unable to communicate anyone for the most part.