Grendel’s Actions: Malicious or Provoked

Grendel’s Actions: Malicious or Provoked
Grendel, by John Gardner, and Beowulf, each offer a contrasting view of a scary, yet emotional, monster named Grendel. These stories differ in the way in which they portray Grendel since they are told in different viewpoints. Beowulf is told in the perspective of the glorious king, Hrothgar, while Grendel is told in the perspective of the scary monster himself. In the former, readers see Grendel as a ruthless terrorizer, whereas in the latter, he is shown in a different, more compassionate light. It is always interesting and advisable to understand a situation from two different standpoints, before forming your own opinions.
Beowulf is one of the most widely respected and honored epics in history, yet it is fair to say it is told in a biased, one-sided manner. The poem recounts the exploits of the celebrated king, Hrothgar, and his longstanding battle with his fiercest compet...