Some stories sound completely unlike when told from different people; sometimes they have varying themes or characters, and other times the characters are the same, except they are described differently. The poem Beowulf and the novel Grendel have very similar plots, but from multiple points of view, making each piece unique. Although many of the same characters in Beowulf also appear in Grendel, some of them are depicted differently. As characters such as Beowulf, Grendel, and the Danes develop throughout Beowulf and Grendel, the differences and similarities between their portrayals in each piece become more apparent. Show One character that is described differently in each piece is Grendel. Throughout Beowulf, Grendel is…show more content… Although Beowulf and Grendel are both strangers to the Spear-Danes their contrasting roles are aided by imagery in Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf. Upon first encountering Grendel, he is described as a “grim demon/ haunting the marches..after nightfall” in pursuit to kill the Kings men (l.102-103, 115). Heaney continues to call Grendel part of “Cain’s Clan” thus, creating a biblical allusion to the book of Genesis where Cain kills his brother Abel (l.106). Therefore, by using the above imagery Grendel is indirectly given animal characteristics along with an evil persona. As a result the Danes are fearful towards Grendel and perceive him as being a stranger that must be destroyed in order to maintain peace in Heorot. Contrary to Grendel, Beowulf is stranger that is welcomed by the Danes after describing his mission to kill Grendel to King Hrothgar. Beowulf is described as a “mightier-man” who is “truly noble” and describes his purpose with ease (l.248,250). This description of Beowulf gives him a “God-Like” image as he is stronger and larger than other men and willingly aids other nations despite the dangers that may follow. These two opposing images of strangers in Beowulf give the characters different roles in the epic. While Grendel is perceived as animal and killer in the night, Beowulf is a hero who surpasses the average man with his nobility and strength. Therefore, both Heaney and the writers of Beowulf use the contrasting strangers to further acknowledge how imagery and appearance can enhance once perception of characters and contribute to symbolism in literature. We have read the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf and watched the movie of Beowulf and Grendel. These two manifestations of one event have rather great differences in the characteristics and behavior of their characters. The movie seems to show the actual events of the tale while the poem seems to capture the events in an exaggerated and praiseful way towards Beowulf’s actions. In the movie, the poem’s narration is actually by a Geat, one of Beowulf’s men. The tales differ because of exaggeration and lack of presence in some events by the Geat. The story narrates of Grendel’s unquenchable desire to slaughter in his lust for evil. It speaks of the fear caused by him and how Herot’s population fell as people were killed or fled from the village. Herot was deserted for 12 years, yet Grendel never attacked Hrothgar, only his men. It was then that Beowulf came to defeat this evil. Beowulf speaks of his greatness and of his superiority and achievements in the hall as they feasted. That very night, Grendel came in hope of a…show more content… What are the same characteristics of Beowulf and Grendel?Although they seem very different, Beowulf and Grendel share certain similarities, including their physical strength, the fact that they both belong to specific communities, and their legendary status. After killing Grendel, Beowulf also kills Grendel's mother.
How is Grendel different in Beowulf and Grendel?In Grendel, the story is told from Grendel's point of view. Therefore he is not viewed as a killing machine. In Beowulf however, it is the exact opposite. Grendel is seen as a monster who is terrorizing Hrothgar's people.
What is the difference between Beowulf as a killer and Grendel as a killer?While Grendel is perceived as animal and killer in the night, Beowulf is a hero who surpasses the average man with his nobility and strength.
Which statement best shows the contrast between Beowulf and Grendel?Which is the most accurate comparison of the two passages? From Beowulf's perspective, the Danes are helpless innocents, but from Grendel's perspective, Grendel is the helpless innocent.
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