“He drew it from its scabbard, broke the chain on its hilt, and then, savage, now angry and desperate, lifted it high over his head and struck with all the strength he had left, caught her in the neck and cut it through, broke bones and all. Her body fell to the floor, lifeless, the sword was wet with her blood, and Beowulf rejoiced at the sight”(57,l l. 489-497). Beowulf yet again shows epic hero
This “monster” with grotesque features and actions ends up killing every one close to his maker out of hatred and vengeance. With extensive analysis of the novel I have encountered with sufficient evidence that led me into thinking otherwise. Such evidence will be presented throughout this essay. Victor Frankenstein, we may say that actually is the incarnation of all human evilness and misdeeds while the so-called "monster” is merely a victim of Victor's mad, selfish, and egocentric state of mind. First of all, I am going to state how Victor resembles more of a monster than the creation itself.
Preceding the battle with Grendel, the hero shows his worthiness to the Danes’ king in his opening speech by stating “my lord Higlac might Christopher 2 think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to” (169-171). By going into battle unarmed he is showing his abilities and loyalty to his ruler. Still as a young warrior Beowulf has his share of obligations to the afflicted people as many moral challenges lie ahead. In the first battle the man-fearing monster, Grendel, is introduced and ambushed in the mead-hall he so
In the story of Beowulf there are many demonstrations of Beowulf’s superhuman strength, but there is one event that stands out the most. That event occurred during the battle of Beowulf and the monster Grendel, in which Grendel finally is defeated. “He twisted in pain,/ and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder/ snapped, muscle and bone split/and broke”(105-108). Beowulf is so strong, that he is able to rip Grendels arm off. Grendel is a big, evil monster who would kill humans, so it is no easy task ripping Grendels arm off.
As well as imagery there is a ton of figurative devices being used. The author uses a metaphor in one of the lines to paint a picture of how Beowulf was thought of after the fight with Grendel. “And the peerless hero, the honored prince.” (Ln 89). Beowulf is being honored for defeating Grendel and his actions toward the matter. In line 89 he is to be thought of as a prince because he had defeated Beowulf when no other man in the kingdom could.
In contrasr to Beowulf, Grendel is envious, resentful, and angry toward all human kind for the fact that he feels as thou God blesses all b ut the ogre he is, and thinks he could never be blessed. Although Grendel's feautures are like a common man having two arms, two legs, one head, etc. he is very much larger than an average male and can defeat many at a time. His magic charm is his source of protection from weapons. After a defeated battle Grendel is known for devouring the deceased body off the spot or carries others back to where he resides and shares feast with his mother.
So at the root of his attacks are the very human emotions of sadness, isolation and envy. Grendel is actually a pretty sympathetic character, if you really think about it. Beowulf's battle with Grendel serves as Beowulf's first great, heroic achievement in the poem. Hearing of Hroogar's plight and Grendel's laying siege on Heorot, Beowulf travels to Heorot to defeat Grendel. Upon arriving at Heorot, Beowulf and his fellow warriors spend the evening.
I watched as Grendel’s mother seeked revenge on the great Beowulf. She was biting holes in his helmet, wrestling him, and clawing him. Grendel’s mom seemed to be winning. Beowulf was the greatest warrior, and yet he was stumbling around and was very weary. She pinned him down and pulled out a dagger and tried to stab him but his armor was too thick.
I know grendel is a monstrous creature because he kills without remorse throughout the entire book. …I saw myself killing them, on and on and on… ” (Gardner 81). This quote is when Grendel enters the mead hall in the night and all the Danes keep running at him trying to kill him. The next quote is right after the dragon puts his charm on Grendel who decides to test it out. “I held up the guard to taunt them, then held him still higher and leered into his face… As if casually… I bit his head off, crunched through the helmet and skull with my teeth and, sucked the blood that sprayed like a hot, thick geyser from his neck,” (Gardner 79).
Each battle is a representation of good vs. evil. He fights Grendal who is a hideously gruesome monster that would feed on the people of Denmark. He battles Grendal’s mother who kills the king’s closest friend for revenge, and the dragon was guarding a treasure and would kill any man who dared to pass. Another example of how the battles are similar is that Beowulf cannot kill his enemies with normal weapons. In the fight with Grendal, his men’s swords could not penetrate Grendal’s skin.