Journal 8: Grendel A Parady? of Beowulf?

                 One can see the parallel between the Gardner’s novel, Grendel, and the Angelo- Saxon epic, Beowulf, as Grendel is a parody of the poem.  A parody is defined as an imitation of a work of literature, art, or music for amusement or instruction. As both of the pieces stress strength and heroism, they are also opposites. In Beowulf, Grendel is portrayed as a heartless monster, murdering with no remorse. However, in Gardner’s  Grendel, he is just a misunderstood beast who wants to be accepted into society, resulting  in him become more of a beast as he becomes exactly what the humans saw him as.  In addition, in the epic poem, they portrayed Grendel who talked fluently—he had an understanding of Language. However, in Grendel, he is shown as a mere beast who struggles with language; in fact, in the first few chapter, he strives to learn their language as he see it as a gateway into society.  it e The two storied differ in what they define as a hero. In Beowulf, Beowulf is portrayed he as this great hero who saves Herot from Grendel. However, In Grendel, readers see the aweful ways  Beowulf defeats Grendel. Making Grendel the narrator of Gardner’s novel Grendel, It mocks the values and the overall literature of Beowulf.