Beowulf/Grendel

Themes:

-Identity
-Religion
-Good vs. Evil
-Isolation
-Language

Quotations:

"The man whose name was known for courage,
the Geat leader, resolute in his helmet,
answered in return: "We are retainers
from Hygelac's band. Beowulf is my name." (340-343)

"So it goes with me, age by age. (Talking, talking. Spinning a web of words, pale walls of dreams, between myself and all I see.) (8)"

Commentary

-This is the moment when Beowulf actually introduces himself, meaning he actually says his name. This is intertwined with his 'boast' that he delivers to those questioning him, proving to them that he is a worthy warrior. He is proclaiming his name and addressing the great reputation he has built up for himself in past good deeds.

-Language is one of the greatest themes in Grendel. This quote is unique because it shows how Grendel is narrating the entire story of the book to himself - probably due to the extreme isolation he is always living in. This quote shows how Grendel really truly sees the world, which is a solipsistic view of reality, meaning nothing really truly exists to him unless he can perceive it. Speaking to himself and addressing his obvious views of the world helps him cope with the rest of the world hating him.

Connections

• One connection that can be made is that in high school, a lot of people feel the need to have to prove themselves to others. They're whole experience of high school is based around a reputation that they have built for 4 years, which can either make or break themselves in the end. This can be connected to how Beowulf interacts with his peers and how confident he is and the overwhelming need to prove himself to others. This primarily is a struggle with identity, which I see as a potential personal issue that could be experienced by anyone.
• Grendel often feels as if the world around him hates him (and they kind of do) but I can kind of relate to the manor that Grendel has when he's alone. He tends to overthink a lot of things and assume things are worse than they really are. He easily pushes people away that love him, his mother, which I know I can do when I'm feeling lonely or upset too. He usually has to talk his way through things, feeling the need to justify every feeling and action that he goes through. This is understandable because its very easy to feel isolated in a world that doesn't stop moving for anyone or anything.

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