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javi
javi
Student
High School - 12th Grade

What is Grendel's philosophical perspectives on the choices made for his actions?

What is Grendel's philosophy regarding his attacks on Heorot in Beowulf?

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Posted by javi on Monday August 24, 2009 at 5:58 PM and tagged with characters, grendel.

Answers:

  1. thewritingteacher
    thewritingteacher Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Grendel is called the "son of Cain" in the poem, and as such, his philosophical bent is toward "disenlightenment" rather than the usual philosophical course of enlightenment. Chapter two of the poem tells how hatred triumphed in the heart of the monster when the brave men ran for their lives. Grendel was pained by the joy of music and beauty represented by Heorot and was impatient to put a stop to it. Because he was spawned by evil creatures, he was destined to brood and destroy.

    For twelve years men told the story of Grendel's hatred and his "philosophy" of blood and gore. Only Hrothgar himself was spared Grendel's murderous actions.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/beowulf/
    http://www.enotes.com/beowulf/characters

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    Posted by thewritingteacher on Wednesday August 26, 2009 at 4:57 PM