John Gardener's 'Grendel': A Literary Analysis

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John Gardener's "Grendel" shows a titular character that extremely similar to the monster of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" : two wretches that have been rebuked by mankind, having been violently rejected for their misunderstood intentions and both seeking their place in their world (or universe). Both "creatures" lash out violently at their mistreatment and denial of happiness, and those responsible. Grendel is introduced to the reader as a murderous (this much rings from the rather single-faceted Grendel of Beowulf) and cynical wretch. However, it becomes clear upon further reading that this was not always the disposition of English literature's oldest fiend, rather his hate and homicidal actions stem from his own mistreatment. Grendel even,

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