The answer to the question is left to be open ended... no one knows exactly why he is evil. but john gardner does a great job of giving the reader options. and lets face it, in America, we like our options.
possiable Reason number 1.
Nothing comes from nothing - Grendel in essences learned to be evil from the society in which he lived
Good vs. Evil - purely there is a deeper symbolizism. Grendel = evil/the devil, bouwolf = god/good
the lis continues
Grendel was seen as evil primarily because he was a descendant of Cain in the Old Testament, who was cursed. Grendel's isolation and rejection by society, as well as his inability to communicate or reason with humans, led him to lash out in violence and anger. Additionally, Grendel's monstrous appearance and behavior were also factors contributing to his label as evil.
Grendel is so violent because he has sensitive ears and all the noice from the mead all in Herot makes him mad and crazy, which is why his attacks are focused on that town.
He was jealous that he was never aloud to attend those parties.
Beowulf discovers not just one, but three evil forces. He discovers the monster Grendel, a dragon, and Grendel's mother.
Good vs. Evil
Fierce
Ork believes that evil is a force that drives Grendel's actions, leading him to commit violent acts. He sees evil as an inherent part of Grendel's nature, which ultimately shapes his perception of the world and influences his behavior. Ork believes that evil is a powerful and destructive force that is difficult to understand or control.
Grendel being descended from Cain in the epic poem "Beowulf" highlights his monstrous and evil nature, as Cain was known for committing the first murder in the Bible. This connection reinforces the theme of good versus evil in the poem and adds depth to Grendel's character as a symbol of chaos and destruction.
Grendel and his mother represent evil for the Anglo-Saxons. They come at night when all the evil of the world is said to be free to roam the land.
Grendel and his mother represent evil for the Anglo-Saxons. They come at night when all the evil of the world is said to be free to roam the land.
Beowulf symbolizes heroism, bravery, and loyalty, while Grendel represents chaos, darkness, and evil. Their conflict represents the eternal struggle between good and evil.
It could symbolize good and evil
Grendel is considered the shepherd of evil in Beowulf. He is a monstrous creature descended from Cain who terrorizes the people of Heorot, a mead hall in Denmark, by killing and feasting on its inhabitants.
Yes, "Grendel" by John Gardner does focus on the nature of evil, particularly through the character of Grendel who struggles with his own identity and perception of good and evil. The novel explores existential themes and questions the nature of morality and ethics through Grendel's perspective as a monster.
In the epic poem "Beowulf," Grendel is described as a descendant of Cain, cursed by God and condemned to roam the land as a creature of darkness and evil. This origin story draws on Christian beliefs and serves to emphasize Grendel's monstrous nature and the contrast between good and evil in the poem.