In the book "Grendel," the alternate perspective can change the way people view the story and it's characters. Contrary to the classic story, "Beowulf," humans can be considered the wrongdoers rather than the murderous Grendel, in the John Gardner version. The "truth" of this story is difficult to determine. If the truth is based off of whether or not Grendel is in the wrong, then I believe he is not. The simple nature of human beings was responsible for his unfortunate childhood, causing him to become the way he is. If the truth is based off of what happened in the story, then this is the truth. Human existence is always ridden with things like ignorance and false judgement of others. Because of it, Grendel decided to take a path that he thought was righteous, ridding the world of humans in order to save everyone else. Beowulf however, came with the notion that Grendel was murdering for simply no reason at all. Therefore he slayed him for a reason he believed was righteous.
In conclusion, I believe neither Grendel, nor Beowulf was in the wrong. Regardless, things can simply happen in the world. Sometimes, bad things happen to good people, and a lot of times, it is no ones fault.
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ReplyDeleteSo would you consider Grendel as a good person? I agree that there was conflict between Grendel and the humans on what is right, but it seems as though you are saying that problems that arise are only accidents. It does make sense though, considering how Grendel in the end of the book says that his death was all an accident. Great post!
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