Reference no: EM133580631
Questions for Grendel
1. How does Grendel describe Beowulf and his men as they arrive? What does he think will happen to the guard if they are not 'friendly'?
2. Why do you think Grendel describes Beowulf as 'an outsider not only among the Danes, but everywhere?' What does this reveal about Beowulf and the impression he gives?
3. How does Grendel feel when he realizes why Beowulf has come?
4. How does Grendel feel when he remains too long in the sunlight? Discuss the symbolism.
5. Discuss the 'mysterious things' that Grendel has seen men do....what does Grendel think of men?
6. Why doesn't Grendel murder all of Hrothgar's men?
7. How does Grendel say the world is divided? What does this show about his mentality?
8. How does Grendel think Hrothgar and his men feel about the prospect of being 'saved' by Beowulf and the other strangers?
9. How does Unferth challenge Beowulf?
10. What story does Beowulf tell to answer Unferth's challenge?
11. How does Beowulf put Unferth in his place?
12. After listening to all of this....how do people, and Grendel, feel about Beowulf?
13. Describe the battle between Grendel and Beowulf from Grendel's point of view. How does it differ from what we initially read?
14. Explain what Beowulf says to Grendel and what his basic message is.
15. What do Grendel's last words/thoughts mean?
Bonus: WHY do you think John Gardner wrote this book? What does seeing the story from Grendel's perspective do for the story? What does it remind us of?