Examine Grendel's development as a poet under the Shaper's influence by assessing the style and poetic effects in the doggerel he creates in Chapter 7, the verse play in Chapter 8, the free verse at the end of Chapter 9, and the final poem in Chapter 12.

Investigate the anti-war movement during the Vietnam War in the United States, the period during which Grendel was written. Connect the portrayal of the struggle between good and evil in Grendel with the conflicts between different segments of American society.

Contrast the philosophy of William Blake, as portrayed in his poem "The Mental Traveller" and in the character Ork, with the anarchistic ideas of Georges Sorel, expressed in his book Reflections on Violence and mirrored in the character Red Horse, whom Gardner modeled after Sorel.

Gardner incorporated references to the twelve astrological signs in Grendel, highlighting one sign in each of the twelve chapters. Analyze how Gardner employs the meaning and symbolism of each astrological sign to create cohesion in his narrative.

In Grendel, Gardner draws inspiration from the classic Old English poem "Beowulf." Compare and contrast these two stories. What are their similarities? In what aspects do they differ?

In Grendel, two philosophies of government are contrasted. Compare the feudal system depicted by Unferth and Wealtheow in Hrothgar's kingdom with the anarchism advocated by Red Horse, advisor to the young Hrothulf.