The contrasting points of view in Grendel and Beowulf significantly alter the reader’s perception of religion, good and evil, and the character Grendel. John Gardner’s book, Grendel, is written in first person. The book translated by Burton Raffel, Beowulf, is written in third person.
Good and evil is one of the main conflicts in the novel, Grendel. How is Grendel affected by the concepts of good and evil? Grendel is an alienated individual who just wants to be a part of something. His desire to fit in causes him to do evil things. Grendel is fascinated by the Shaper’s poetry. He often returns to the mead hall to listen to it. One night while he is listening, he hears the story of Cain and Abel, including the Danes explanation of Grendel. His reaction to this leads to one of his most dramatic emotional reactions:
I believed him. Such was the power of the Shaper’s harp! Stood wriggling my face, letting tears down my nose, grinding my fists into my elbow the corpse of the proof that both of us ere cursed, or neither, that the brothers had never lived, nor the god who judged them. ‘Waaa!’ I bawled. ‘Oh what a conversion” (Gardner 51)!
Grendel then cries for mercy from the Danes. He wants their forgiveness as well as unification with them, which represents the good in him. The Danes reject him by confusing his outburst of sorrow as an attack. After visiting with a dragon that tells Grendel a fictional version of the Shaper’s tale, Grendel continues to believe the Shaper’s story. He searches for the goodness in human beings, which was mentioned in the story. He eats people only because it provides a place for him in society, even if it is a negative position (The Two Faces of Grendel, 2).
Good and evil is one of the main conflicts in the poem, Beowulf, and ultimately both wipe each other out. Good, is portrayed by God, and evil seems to be what fate has in store for the hero. Beowulf occasionally talks to God and asks God to give him strength before the battle and to give him the valor he needs to overcome his enemy. Evil seems to always get the bad side of things since it always gets conquered by God’s good side. Even though this is true, evil lives the high life for a long time. Grendel, Beowulf’s first opponent, killed thousands and thousands of men before he met his match. Evil comes from the monsters. They attack the good side by killing innocent men because they are hungry or just want to defy the laws. Good fights back when the evil creations are killed and all is back to normal. Beowulf is truly good because he helps people when they need it the most and hopes that God is with him even though he doesn’t have to do anything to help the people who have an evil creature killing their village’s population every night.
In Grendel, the main belief is that of existentialism, however, there are also numerous references to Cain throughout the entire book. The basis for his version of existentialism is the following excerpt from the book itself:
I understood that the world was nothing: a mechanical chaos of casual, brute enmity on which we stupidly impose our hopes and fears. I understood that, finally and absolutely, I alone exist. All the rest, I saw, is merely what pushes me, or what I push against, blindly—as blindly as all that is not myself pushes back. I create the whole universe, blink by blink. —An ugly god pitifully dying in a tree (Gardner 22)
One can explain this view of existentialism by considering some simple concepts of existentialism. Existentialists believe that man is forlorn and totally responsible for his actions, and that his choices are important because existence precedes essence. Furthermore, the references to Cain, which represented chaos and the presence of evil, can be found throughout the book. For example, after Cain killed his brother, he drinks his blood. This is typically something that Grendel does after he kills his victims. Additionally, both Cain and Grendel are viewed as outcasts of society who have to roam in the shadows. They are outside looking inside. They are outside threats to the order of society as shown by Grendel with the Danes (Similarities between Grendel and Cain 1). The religious references to Cain, as well as the belief in existentialism are important aspects in Grendel.
In Beowulf, the main belief is that of wyrd, or fate, and sources say that Beowulf is a pagan poem adapted to fit ideals of Christianity. The belief in wyrd is one of the most pervasive pagan elements. The Anglo-Saxons believed strongly that their lives were predestined and that powerful supernatural forces acted upon them. The inevitability of this fate is shown many times throughout the poem. When Beowulf prepares to fight Grendel, he abandons his armor and sword saying, “Fate ever goes as it must” (Beowulf page #). Additionally, although there are Christian overtones, the paganistic point of views are expressed anytime they discuss fate and destiny. For example, Beowulf makes a remark to Wiglaf that fate has swept their race away. But right above that, he tells Wiglaf, “I thank our Father in Heaven, Ruler of the Earth-For all of this that His grace has given me (Gardner 109).” The epic poem, Beowulf contains definite references to Christianity, but it is also full of Pagan symbols such as that of fate.
The character, Grendel is viewed in a different light in the book Grendel. Grendel is pitiful in Grendel, however, Gardner uses this pity to arouse sympathy for Grendel by giving him human traits and emotions and by using first person. This novel is actually narrated by Grendel, which offers understanding of the “beast’s innermost feelings, as well as evoking sympathy from the reader. In Grendel, the antihero has human traits: he walks on two legs and speaks a language similar to the Danes. He also has strong emotions of fear, anger, and sorrow as well as intellect. Grendel has a sense of alienation and just wants to fit in. The point of view of the book Grendel allows the reader to see another side of Grendel.
In Beowulf, Grendel is viewed as the antagonist and the evil villain and is both feared and hated. The reader discovers Grendel as seen through the eyes of his terrified victims. King Hrothgar, leader of the Danes, fears his visits: “The renowned ruler, the prince of long famous, sat empty of joy; strong in might, he suffered, sorrowed for his men when they saw the track of the hateful monster, the evil spirit” (Beowulf page #). Hrothgar would dread the fatal nights when Grendel would dine on human flesh. The ruler understands that Grendel attacks his men out of spite and jealousy (The Two Faces of Grendel, 1).
The author of my criticism analyzes a main point of view of the story of Beowulf, Good versus Evil. The main characters in story who exibit good and evil are Beowulf and Grendal. I agree with author, In the story of Beowulf saves lives and fights battles to protect many people. The author mentions how Beowulf is sided with God. " God is portrayted by God.." Beowulf occasionally talks to God and asks God to give him strength in battle...and to give the valor he ned to over come his enemies." Grendal the doer of evil was the opposite.Grendal killed many innocent people out of jealousy and envy. According to author of the criticism that was Grendals fate."He eats people only because it provided him a place in society." Overall the story of Beowulf showed great conduct of good versus evil. Grendal,A doer of evil is put to the test to meet his match,and like in most stories evil loses and good wins!
I agree with Tabitha on the point that Grendel is indeed evil and Beowulf is good. I also agree that Grendel's fate was that of evil because it provided him a definition for himself and a place in society.
Beowulf does represent the qualities of good... bravery, valor and righteousness, while Grendel is the epitomy of evil. The battle of good vs. evil rages on throughout the story.
this criticism highlights what i veiw as integral to fully understanding a story. the author shows how Grendel is not just a mindless killing monster, but rather has a reason for why he attacked the Danes. the story of Grendel seems to put a different perspective on how to veiw who actually is the main character. A great comparison to this is, once again, the star wars trilogy. At first glance (episodes IV V VI) it seems that star wars is all about the jedi and how to rid the galaxy of the ironclad grip of the empire, yet in an interveiw after the final movie was released, George Lucas said that "there were not going to be anymore star wars movies, because the story he had to tell was that of Anakin Skywalker.
bascially what that all meant is that to really tell/understand a story one must appreciate the motives and actions of both the good guys and the bad guys to be able to truly decide who was the evil one, and why.
This article takes an interesting approach to the concept of good nature and evil nature in the story. It really helps you realize what every other article is trying to say. How do we know that Beowulf is so mighty and Grendel is so evil? We only know this because that is what we are told. Whats the possibility that Grendel was not the terrifying beast that ravaged towns. Maybe he was fighting a war. The possibilities are endless.
Good v. Evil is a reqccuring theme in Beowulf. Repeatedly you have good v. evil for example beowulf is good and grendal is evil. Horathgar is good the trolls are evil
Sure, Good vs. Evil may have been one of the major themes of the story...but who is the good guy and who is the bad guy? Good is really a point of view, as well as Evil. For all I know, Grendel may have believed that HE was the one who was doing the right thing -- for his own reasons. Grendel most likely believed that Hrothgar was Evil, mainly because he was Grendel's enemy. Society today automatically assumes that Grendel portrays Evil, but don't forget who mindlessly tore off his arm and kept it as a trophy....Beowulf....
Good v. Evil is a reoccuring them is the poem. As known Beowulf represents Good for having courage and the strength to fight for his people. And Grendel represents Evil
This author provides us with a new and interesting perspective to Beowulf. It explains that possibly Grendel had a reason to attack rather than our interpretation of Grendel being a violent, unreasonable monster. Although this may be somewhat true I do not agree because people's views of good and bad are debatable and not always the same.
The criticism allows for a different perspective to the poem of Beowulf. It allows us to see the perspective of Grendel, it tells us of the reasons why Grendel was so violent. I agree with the author that Grendel and Beowulf represent the evil and the good within the poem.
There is no doubt that good vs. evil is a major theme in the text. Im not sure that good always previals. In the end Beowulf did die because of the Dragon. The death of beowulf is what the dragon intended. In that case good didnt exactly "prevail" over evil.
This article mainly highlights the points of Good vs. Evil. Obviously Beowulf represnts good through his bravery and strength to defeat the monsters. And the monsters such as Grendal represent evil through there non stop destructive ways to defeat the good in the world.
The theme of good vs. evil, is most definitly a reoccuring them in this poem; where our hero, Beowulf is representing on the side of the good, and the monster terrorizing the village, like Grendel, represent that of evil.
Although I don't agree that Grendel was right in his actions, it was interesting to see an alternate point of view from the story, whether it was true or not. I don't support his actions but it calmed my dislike for him quite a bit. Giving him human traits in the alternate story was an effective method.
Beowulf definitely characterizes the good, and Grendel the bad in this renowned epic. Even though, as this critic notes, "evil can live the high life for a long time," in the end, it is vanquished by good.
Beowulf and Grendel both display the good v. evil theme. The two stories put different light on the good v. evil theme though. Grendle is bad in Beowulf, but in the story of Grendel, Grendel is just an innocent monster. THe author does a good job of differing between Beowulf and Grendel.
I think that some people would view beowulf as being "a bad guy" as well as Grendel. Beowulf killed Grendel, The Troll wife and the dragon. Even though it was necessary to kill them, good guys usually arent murderers.
Many of the religious characters in The Canterbury Tales represent character traits that are different from what is traditionally expected of them. This is because the Catholic Church, which ruled all of England, Ireland and most of Europe in the Fourteenth Century, was extremely wealthy. Extravagant cathedrals were built in every big city while the people suffered from poverty, disease and famine. The contrast between the wealth of the church and misery of the people was overwhelming. As a result, the characters in Chaucer’s tales were portrayed as deceitful and greedy. Two examples of this are the Summoner from the “The Friar’s Tale” and Death from the “The Pardoner’s Tale.” The Summoner is a church official who brings people accused of violating church law to special courts set up by the church. This particular Summoner from “The Friar’s Tale” is a deceitful, greedy person who uses his position as a church official to pressure innocent people into giving him “bribes” or money. He actually has a network of secret spies who report to him so that he can issue false summons and extort money from people. Instead of representing justice, he represents the exact opposite, injustice. Chaucer wrote this tale to show how greedy and corrupt church officials were during the Middle Ages. In “The Pardoners Tale,” all the characters seek out Death, and the Pardoner describes Death like a person, an evil person. During the fourteenth century death was commonplace. The plague was the biggest killer of all and nobody knew what caused it therefore it was considered a mysterious and evil occurrence. In this particular tale death is personified, and all the characters in the tale who seek him out either die or kill each other when they get close to him. The point Chaucer makes through the words of the Pardoner is that the evil traits like greed, avarice and corruption lead to death. Of course the Pardoner himself is a hypocrite and embodies all of these traits. In the end of the tale he tries to sell his relics to the people to make money which shows that he, as an official of the church, is just as evil and corrupt as the Summoner in “The Friar’s Tale.”
Both The Summoner, and Death as he is personified by the Pardoner, are examples of religious officials who are the opposite of what they are supposed to be. Instead of being upright, honest church leaders, they are hypocritical liars driven by the same vices that they preach against. In other words, they use their positions to deceive and make money. Chaucer’s point in both tales is to show how greedy and corrupt the Catholic has become. The circumstances in each tale are different, but the main point is that “greed is the root of all evil.”
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Contrasting Points of View in Grendel and Beowulf
The contrasting points of view in Grendel and Beowulf significantly alter the reader’s perception of religion, good and evil, and the character Grendel. John Gardner’s book, Grendel, is written in first person. The book translated by Burton Raffel, Beowulf, is written in third person.
Good and evil is one of the main conflicts in the novel, Grendel. How is Grendel affected by the concepts of good and evil? Grendel is an alienated individual who just wants to be a part of something. His desire to fit in causes him to do evil things. Grendel is fascinated by the Shaper’s poetry. He often returns to the mead hall to listen to it. One night while he is listening, he hears the story of Cain and Abel, including the Danes explanation of Grendel. His reaction to this leads to one of his most dramatic emotional reactions:
I believed him. Such was the power of the Shaper’s harp! Stood wriggling my face, letting tears down my nose, grinding my fists into my elbow the corpse of the proof that both of us ere cursed, or neither, that the brothers had never lived, nor the god who judged them. ‘Waaa!’ I bawled. ‘Oh what a conversion” (Gardner 51)!
Grendel then cries for mercy from the Danes. He wants their forgiveness as well as unification with them, which represents the good in him. The Danes reject him by confusing his outburst of sorrow as an attack. After visiting with a dragon that tells Grendel a fictional version of the Shaper’s tale, Grendel continues to believe the Shaper’s story. He searches for the goodness in human beings, which was mentioned in the story. He eats people only because it provides a place for him in society, even if it is a negative position (The Two Faces of Grendel, 2).
Good and evil is one of the main conflicts in the poem, Beowulf, and ultimately both wipe each other out. Good, is portrayed by God, and evil seems to be what fate has in store for the hero. Beowulf occasionally talks to God and asks God to give him strength before the battle and to give him the valor he needs to overcome his enemy. Evil seems to always get the bad side of things since it always gets conquered by God’s good side. Even though this is true, evil lives the high life for a long time. Grendel, Beowulf’s first opponent, killed thousands and thousands of men before he met his match. Evil comes from the monsters. They attack the good side by killing innocent men because they are hungry or just want to defy the laws. Good fights back when the evil creations are killed and all is back to normal. Beowulf is truly good because he helps people when they need it the most and hopes that God is with him even though he doesn’t have to do anything to help the people who have an evil creature killing their village’s population every night.
In Grendel, the main belief is that of existentialism, however, there are also numerous references to Cain throughout the entire book. The basis for his version of existentialism is the following excerpt from the book itself:
I understood that the world was nothing: a mechanical chaos of casual, brute enmity on which we stupidly impose our hopes and fears. I understood that, finally and absolutely, I alone exist. All the rest, I saw, is merely what pushes me, or what I push against, blindly—as blindly as all that is not myself pushes back. I create the whole universe, blink by blink. —An ugly god pitifully dying in a tree (Gardner 22)
One can explain this view of existentialism by considering some simple concepts of existentialism. Existentialists believe that man is forlorn and totally responsible for his actions, and that his choices are important because existence precedes essence. Furthermore, the references to Cain, which represented chaos and the presence of evil, can be found throughout the book. For example, after Cain killed his brother, he drinks his blood. This is typically something that Grendel does after he kills his victims. Additionally, both Cain and Grendel are viewed as outcasts of society who have to roam in the shadows. They are outside looking inside. They are outside threats to the order of society as shown by Grendel with the Danes (Similarities between Grendel and Cain 1). The religious references to Cain, as well as the belief in existentialism are important aspects in Grendel.
In Beowulf, the main belief is that of wyrd, or fate, and sources say that Beowulf is a pagan poem adapted to fit ideals of Christianity. The belief in wyrd is one of the most pervasive pagan elements. The Anglo-Saxons believed strongly that their lives were predestined and that powerful supernatural forces acted upon them. The inevitability of this fate is shown many times throughout the poem. When Beowulf prepares to fight Grendel, he abandons his armor and sword saying, “Fate ever goes as it must” (Beowulf page #). Additionally, although there are Christian overtones, the paganistic point of views are expressed anytime they discuss fate and destiny. For example, Beowulf makes a remark to Wiglaf that fate has swept their race away. But right above that, he tells Wiglaf, “I thank our Father in Heaven, Ruler of the Earth-For all of this that His grace has given me (Gardner 109).” The epic poem, Beowulf contains definite references to Christianity, but it is also full of Pagan symbols such as that of fate.
The character, Grendel is viewed in a different light in the book Grendel. Grendel is pitiful in Grendel, however, Gardner uses this pity to arouse sympathy for Grendel by giving him human traits and emotions and by using first person. This novel is actually narrated by Grendel, which offers understanding of the “beast’s innermost feelings, as well as evoking sympathy from the reader. In Grendel, the antihero has human traits: he walks on two legs and speaks a language similar to the Danes. He also has strong emotions of fear, anger, and sorrow as well as intellect. Grendel has a sense of alienation and just wants to fit in. The point of view of the book Grendel allows the reader to see another side of Grendel.
In Beowulf, Grendel is viewed as the antagonist and the evil villain and is both feared and hated. The reader discovers Grendel as seen through the eyes of his terrified victims. King Hrothgar, leader of the Danes, fears his visits: “The renowned ruler, the prince of long famous, sat empty of joy; strong in might, he suffered, sorrowed for his men when they saw the track of the hateful monster, the evil spirit” (Beowulf page #). Hrothgar would dread the fatal nights when Grendel would dine on human flesh. The ruler understands that Grendel attacks his men out of spite and jealousy (The Two Faces of Grendel, 1).
The author of my criticism analyzes a main point of view of the story of Beowulf, Good versus Evil. The main characters in story who exibit good and evil are Beowulf and Grendal. I agree with author, In the story of Beowulf saves lives and fights battles to protect many people. The author mentions how Beowulf is sided with God. " God is portrayted by God.." Beowulf occasionally talks to God and asks God to give him strength in battle...and to give the valor he ned to over come his enemies." Grendal the doer of evil was the opposite.Grendal killed many innocent people out of jealousy and envy. According to author of the criticism that was Grendals fate."He eats people only because it provided him a place in society." Overall the story of Beowulf showed great conduct of good versus evil. Grendal,A doer of evil is put to the test to meet his match,and like in most stories evil loses and good wins!
Good Vs Evil is a recoccuring theme throught the entire novel. As well as good will prevail over evil. Much like Beowulf did when he slayed Grendel.
Good versus evil is obviously a reoccurring theme in the story. Beowulf is good and the monsters are evil. Its that simple.
I agree with Tabitha on the point that Grendel is indeed evil and Beowulf is good. I also agree that Grendel's fate was that of evil because it provided him a definition for himself and a place in society.
Beowulf does represent the qualities of good... bravery, valor and righteousness, while Grendel is the epitomy of evil. The battle of good vs. evil rages on throughout the story.
this criticism highlights what i veiw as integral to fully understanding a story. the author shows how Grendel is not just a mindless killing monster, but rather has a reason for why he attacked the Danes. the story of Grendel seems to put a different perspective on how to veiw who actually is the main character. A great comparison to this is, once again, the star wars trilogy. At first glance (episodes IV V VI) it seems that star wars is all about the jedi and how to rid the galaxy of the ironclad grip of the empire, yet in an interveiw after the final movie was released, George Lucas said that "there were not going to be anymore star wars movies, because the story he had to tell was that of Anakin Skywalker.
bascially what that all meant is that to really tell/understand a story one must appreciate the motives and actions of both the good guys and the bad guys to be able to truly decide who was the evil one, and why.
This article takes an interesting approach to the concept of good nature and evil nature in the story. It really helps you realize what every other article is trying to say. How do we know that Beowulf is so mighty and Grendel is so evil? We only know this because that is what we are told. Whats the possibility that Grendel was not the terrifying beast that ravaged towns. Maybe he was fighting a war. The possibilities are endless.
Good v. Evil is a reqccuring theme in Beowulf. Repeatedly you have good v. evil for example beowulf is good and grendal is evil. Horathgar is good the trolls are evil
Sure, Good vs. Evil may have been one of the major themes of the story...but who is the good guy and who is the bad guy? Good is really a point of view, as well as Evil. For all I know, Grendel may have believed that HE was the one who was doing the right thing -- for his own reasons. Grendel most likely believed that Hrothgar was Evil, mainly because he was Grendel's enemy.
Society today automatically assumes that Grendel portrays Evil, but don't forget who mindlessly tore off his arm and kept it as a trophy....Beowulf....
Beowulf represents good while Grendel is the represents evil. The battle of good vs. evil reapears several times throughout the story.
Good v. Evil is a reoccuring them is the poem. As known Beowulf represents Good for having courage and the strength to fight for his people. And Grendel represents Evil
This author provides us with a new and interesting perspective to Beowulf. It explains that possibly Grendel had a reason to attack rather than our interpretation of Grendel being a violent, unreasonable monster. Although this may be somewhat true I do not agree because people's views of good and bad are debatable and not always the same.
The criticism allows for a different perspective to the poem of Beowulf. It allows us to see the perspective of Grendel, it tells us of the reasons why Grendel was so violent. I agree with the author that Grendel and Beowulf represent the evil and the good within the poem.
Okay, so again good versus evil is a reoccuring theme in Bewoulf. Good always prevails over evil, plain and simple.
There is no doubt that good vs. evil is a major theme in the text. Im not sure that good always previals. In the end Beowulf did die because of the Dragon. The death of beowulf is what the dragon intended. In that case good didnt exactly "prevail" over evil.
This article mainly highlights the points of Good vs. Evil. Obviously Beowulf represnts good through his bravery and strength to defeat the monsters. And the monsters such as Grendal represent evil through there non stop destructive ways to defeat the good in the world.
The theme of good vs. evil, is most definitly a reoccuring them in this poem; where our hero, Beowulf is representing on the side of the good, and the monster terrorizing the village, like Grendel, represent that of evil.
Although I don't agree that Grendel was right in his actions, it was interesting to see an alternate point of view from the story, whether it was true or not. I don't support his actions but it calmed my dislike for him quite a bit. Giving him human traits in the alternate story was an effective method.
Once agian, Beowulf is a classic example of the very black and white theme of good vs. evil.
Beowulf definitely characterizes the good, and Grendel the bad in this renowned epic. Even though, as this critic notes, "evil can live the high life for a long time," in the end, it is vanquished by good.
Beowulf and Grendel both display the good v. evil theme. The two stories put different light on the good v. evil theme though. Grendle is bad in Beowulf, but in the story of Grendel, Grendel is just an innocent monster. THe author does a good job of differing between Beowulf and Grendel.
Once again good vs evil is discussed. I find the interesting spin that Grendel could possibly be the good guy.
I think that some people would view beowulf as being "a bad guy" as well as Grendel. Beowulf killed Grendel, The Troll wife and the dragon. Even though it was necessary to kill them, good guys usually arent murderers.
Greed and Corruption in The Canterbury Tales
Many of the religious characters in The Canterbury Tales represent character traits that are different from what is traditionally expected of them. This is because the Catholic Church, which ruled all of England, Ireland and most of Europe in the Fourteenth Century, was extremely wealthy. Extravagant cathedrals were built in every big city while the people suffered from poverty, disease and famine. The contrast between the wealth of the church and misery of the people was overwhelming. As a result, the characters in Chaucer’s tales were portrayed as deceitful and greedy. Two examples of this are the Summoner from the “The Friar’s Tale” and Death from the “The Pardoner’s Tale.”
The Summoner is a church official who brings people accused of violating church law to special courts set up by the church. This particular Summoner from “The Friar’s Tale” is a deceitful, greedy person who uses his position as a church official to pressure innocent people into giving him “bribes” or money. He actually has a network of secret spies who report to him so that he can issue false summons and extort money from people. Instead of representing justice, he represents the exact opposite, injustice. Chaucer wrote this tale to show how greedy and corrupt church officials were during the Middle Ages.
In “The Pardoners Tale,” all the characters seek out Death, and the Pardoner describes Death like a person, an evil person. During the fourteenth century death was commonplace. The plague was the biggest killer of all and nobody knew what caused it therefore it was considered a mysterious and evil occurrence. In this particular tale death is personified, and all the characters in the tale who seek him out either die or kill each other when they get close to him. The point Chaucer makes through the words of the Pardoner is that the evil traits like greed, avarice and corruption lead to death. Of course the Pardoner himself is a hypocrite and embodies all of these traits. In the end of the tale he tries to sell his relics to the people to make money which shows that he, as an official of the church, is just as evil and corrupt as the Summoner in “The Friar’s Tale.”
Both The Summoner, and Death as he is personified by the Pardoner, are examples of religious officials who are the opposite of what they are supposed to be. Instead of being upright, honest church leaders, they are hypocritical liars driven by the same vices that they preach against. In other words, they use their positions to deceive and make money. Chaucer’s point in both tales is to show how greedy and corrupt the Catholic has become. The circumstances in each tale are different, but the main point is that “greed is the root of all evil.”
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