Beowulf: Dialectical Journal 2

(102-107) “Grendel was the name of this grim demon haunting the marches, marauding round the heath and the desolate fens; he had dwelt for a time in misery among the banished monsters, Cains clan, whom the creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts”

The character Grendel and his actions correlate with the story of Cain and Able. In short, Cain thought God liked Able’s offerings more and became jealous, so he killed him. Cain was then exiled from God’s mind. Grendel however, was born an exile due to his ancestry to Cain. Where the two stories intertwine is in the desire to be included and loved just as everyone else. Grendel didn’t speak English and was exiled to a swap far from the halls of Hereot, yet not far enough that he couldn’t hear the noise and joy coming from them. This makes him envious, just as Cain had been, so he snatches 30 men and kills them in his lair. And Grendel continues murdering all people who are seen better through God’s eyes (ones who aren’t exiled), just as Cain had done to the one he thought God approved more of; Able. Although his recent acts of violence are extreme and worthy of banishment, has Grendel always been an evil monster or just a threatened outsider looking for a chance to be accepted through God’s eyes?