Post by jessicalee on Aug 26, 2013 4:16:14 GMT
I found the final battle between Grendel and Beowulf to be very intriguing. It is stated that Beowulf took control of the fight when Grendel "accidentally" slipped on blood. Upon first glance, this accident seems to be a mere catalyst that allowed Beowulf to come out as victorious. But the irony of this accident adds so much more depth to their fight. Prior to fighting Beowulf, Grendel says:
It can be concluded that the blood that Grendel slipped on during his final battle came from his own doing; it came from one of the men he greedily devoured. I find this extremely interesting because it seems to me as though Grendel's lust for blood was the bane of his own existence. Ultimately Grendel's actions, although accidental, led to his defeat.
So, what is the message here? Was the blood simply a catalyst that gave Beowulf an excuse to take the upper hand? Or, is Gardner saying that, like Grendel, one with too much greed never wins?
"I will move from bed to bed and destroy them all... I seize up a sleeping man... and suck hot, slippery blood... My face and arms are wet, matted. The napkin is sopping. The dark floor steams" (168).
It can be concluded that the blood that Grendel slipped on during his final battle came from his own doing; it came from one of the men he greedily devoured. I find this extremely interesting because it seems to me as though Grendel's lust for blood was the bane of his own existence. Ultimately Grendel's actions, although accidental, led to his defeat.
So, what is the message here? Was the blood simply a catalyst that gave Beowulf an excuse to take the upper hand? Or, is Gardner saying that, like Grendel, one with too much greed never wins?
