(Journal 8)- Grendel, A Parody

Grendel is often referred to as a parody of Beowulf, and we can see its mocking imitation by defying all the things Beowulf embraces, and all that Anglo-Saxon literature stands for. Beowulf strongly represents the great hero ideals that Anglo Saxons valued and the protagonist himself embodies; Beowulf is strong and loyal, is known and respected among his people and is a leader; he is passionate for what he believes in and fights for what he knows to be is right. Beowulf, the epic and the character, are very contrary to Grendel. Beowulf the character believes in birth and renewal he is optimistic and he is a pattern-maker. On the other hand, Grendel (the character) is a mechanistic beast, pessimistic and nihilist. He embodies the complete opposite ideal of the epic Beowulf, a story of bravery and loyalty. Grendel a mocking imitation of Beowulf due to the fact that it Grendel personifies existentialism and believes that his perceptions make up reality.