Post by avinash on Aug 22, 2013 7:49:30 GMT
After reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck I thought a lot about the story of Cain and Abel and how it relates to Grendel. For those who are not familiar with this story, Cain and Abel are the children of Adam and Eve -- the idea of original sin originates from the story of Adam and Eve. Cain was jealous of Abel because God preferred Abel. He responded by killing his brother, Abel. Cain, and his descendants, are considered sinners and evil by nature. One might even consider them monsters.
If it weren't for his appearance and yearning for human flesh, Grendel could pass as a human. His traits are reminiscent of those associated with human beings. First of all, take his relationship with his mother. Though he may talk of his mother as a lowly being, Grendel’s human instincts lead him to call for her in times of need. Take for instance the climactic moment at the book’s end when Grendel realizes he is dying: “‘Mama!’ I bellow, ‘Mama, Mama! I’m dying!’ But her love is history” (172-173). Here, Grendel acknowledges that there is love between his mom and himself. Grendel’s nature is revealed when he is on the brink of death. When he is knocking on death’s door, he looks for no one other than his mother for help. There are many more instances where Grendel’s human tendencies show. His bravado is another example. It is important to note that many of Grendel’s tendencies can be considered sinful. Humans, as seen in the story of Cain, are sinners.
Grendel even goes as far as to compare himself to humans. Grendel gives his reason for tormenting Hrothgar, “I made him what he is. Have I not a right to test my own creation? Enough! Who says I have to defend myself? I’m a machine, like you. Like all of you. Blood-lust and rage are my character” (123). Grendel sees in humans what he sees in his nature. When one things of Grendel, a bloodthirsty, enraged creature comes to mind. In Grendel’s mind, humans share those traits with him. Gardner doesn't do anything to dispute this. The violence in Hrothgar’s kingdom and surrounding lands only corroborates Grendel’s presumption. In addition, Unferth, almost perfectly embodies these characteristics Grendel focuses on. Grendel also suspects that his mom is partly human. “(She must have some human in her.)” (11).
Grendel is still. though, inherently a monster. This is because of appearance, his need for human meat (as said above), and his status as an outlier who lives away from other humans. “My belly rumbles, sick on their sour meat” (13). Grendel is referring to humans and thereby showing his monstrous side.
Personally, I think that Grendel serves as a symbol for God’s punishment against the sinful nature of humans (originating from Cain). The idea of sin is implanted in Grendel from the very beginning. “‘Some god is angry,’ I hear a woman keen. ‘The people of Scyld and Herogar and Hrothgar are mired in sin” (13).
What is Gardner’s purpose for classifying Grendel as a monster when Grendel has many human characteristics? Is there a biblical connection that affected Gardner’s reasoning?
If it weren't for his appearance and yearning for human flesh, Grendel could pass as a human. His traits are reminiscent of those associated with human beings. First of all, take his relationship with his mother. Though he may talk of his mother as a lowly being, Grendel’s human instincts lead him to call for her in times of need. Take for instance the climactic moment at the book’s end when Grendel realizes he is dying: “‘Mama!’ I bellow, ‘Mama, Mama! I’m dying!’ But her love is history” (172-173). Here, Grendel acknowledges that there is love between his mom and himself. Grendel’s nature is revealed when he is on the brink of death. When he is knocking on death’s door, he looks for no one other than his mother for help. There are many more instances where Grendel’s human tendencies show. His bravado is another example. It is important to note that many of Grendel’s tendencies can be considered sinful. Humans, as seen in the story of Cain, are sinners.
Grendel even goes as far as to compare himself to humans. Grendel gives his reason for tormenting Hrothgar, “I made him what he is. Have I not a right to test my own creation? Enough! Who says I have to defend myself? I’m a machine, like you. Like all of you. Blood-lust and rage are my character” (123). Grendel sees in humans what he sees in his nature. When one things of Grendel, a bloodthirsty, enraged creature comes to mind. In Grendel’s mind, humans share those traits with him. Gardner doesn't do anything to dispute this. The violence in Hrothgar’s kingdom and surrounding lands only corroborates Grendel’s presumption. In addition, Unferth, almost perfectly embodies these characteristics Grendel focuses on. Grendel also suspects that his mom is partly human. “(She must have some human in her.)” (11).
Grendel is still. though, inherently a monster. This is because of appearance, his need for human meat (as said above), and his status as an outlier who lives away from other humans. “My belly rumbles, sick on their sour meat” (13). Grendel is referring to humans and thereby showing his monstrous side.
Personally, I think that Grendel serves as a symbol for God’s punishment against the sinful nature of humans (originating from Cain). The idea of sin is implanted in Grendel from the very beginning. “‘Some god is angry,’ I hear a woman keen. ‘The people of Scyld and Herogar and Hrothgar are mired in sin” (13).
What is Gardner’s purpose for classifying Grendel as a monster when Grendel has many human characteristics? Is there a biblical connection that affected Gardner’s reasoning?
