One-Dimensional Monster: Persuasive Post About Grendel Essay

I agree with the argument that Grendel’s point of view does not make him a one-dimensional monster because, throughout the novel, it allows us to get a sense of his self-image. Grendel sees himself as a monster because he is subjected to insults by humans. Grendel is thoughtful and no different from human beings because a closer look at Grendel’s speech and thoughts reveals that Grendel displays every human emotion, such as fear, making him more sympathetic. For example, Grendel howls at the men attacking him:” ‘You’re all crazy,’ I tried to yell, but it came out a moan. I bellowed for my mother” (27). We should feel sympathy for him because much of his monstrous behavior is caused by humans’ treatment of him, such as calling him a fungus. Seeing this scene from Grendel’s perspective instead of the men’s perspective makes us sympathize with Grendel. He is believed to be disgusting and dangerous just because of his appearance. Grendel shows us that his anger toward the men comes partially from feeling attacked and misunderstood. When the human Unferth finally understands him, Grendel is more interested in connecting with him than in killing him. Of their encounter, Grendel says, “I got more pleasure from that apple fight than from any other battle in my life” (86). This thought also shows that Grendel’s true desire is not to be monstrous but to belong and to find a way to be part of human society. We feel sorry for him because his appearance and strange behavior have made him an outcast, which makes him angry, but he is just scared. Gardner uses the monstrous image throughout Grendel to portray Grendel as more human if we try to understand him better.