Journal 6

Grendel’s a parody of Beowulf in the sense that it’s a modern narrative while Beowulf is an epic poem from the Anglo-Saxon time. Certain elements of Beowulf give the old poem a modern perspective. The purpose of his writing was particularly due to his comments on humanity and philosophy. In this novel, Grendel is a satirical version of the Grendel portrayed in Beowulf. In the original Beowulf story, Grendel had basic human qualities and is perceives as being an intellectual, developed character that philosophically expands as the story progresses. Grendel is seen in Beowulf as “a powerful monster...that demon, that fiend” who was born as a descendent of Cain himself (21). While Beowulf shows the heroic side of the Anglo-Saxons, stressing the significance of loyalty, strength, and bravery, the true brutality and greed to mankind of Gardner’s Grendel is seen.