Academic Blog 1

The only difference that I see between Beowulf and Grendel is self control. They both have an extreme amount of power and the capability to be great heroes. They just chose different paths. Grendel used his powers for evil, while Beowulf used his for the greater good. In Beowulf Grendel is portrayed as being completely animalistic. When I read the story Grendel my perception was altered. He is actually quite an intelligent creature full of thought that he wishes to express. He has so much of that built up inside that sometimes he may act irrational and express his emotion by destroying people. Beowulf uses that strength and intelligence to help other people. It’s just a difference in perception between the two charcters. Grendel believes that humans are the scum of the earth. The humans were always calling him the descendant of Cain. It was like he had no choice but to be what they expected of him. Beowulf was expected to live up to his father’s standards. So of course he had to do that and of course he was adored for it just as his father was before him. It’s the caste system once you’re in it you really can’t get out.