Okay so recently, class 12S read excerpts from Beowulf. A great story of a hero named Beowulf, who defeats a horrendous monster named Grendel, and saves a group of people from him, as he had been attacking them every night and eating them alive. Pretty gruesome right? But I'm not going to talk about Beowulf's heroism... instead, I choose to focus on Grendel. Despite his horrible acts of violence, I can't help but feel sorry for him! Why? Well first off, he is a descendant of Cain, and as a punishment for Cain's sin, his descendants were all cursed, and "all kinds misbegotten". (Alexander. 110.7) So basically, he was born into a horrible life as an ugly monster simply because his great great great grandfather killed his brother! So unfair, right? Punished for someone else's sin! And just because he's a monster doesn't mean he is emotionless! He spent his entire life living in a dark cave, hearing the celebrations of Heorot Hall, never able to participate. " He found in Heorot the forces of nobles slept after supper, sorrow forgotten, the condition of men. Maddening with rage, he struck quickly, creature of evil..." (Alexander.117-120. 7) Now let try to imagine ourselves in his position... you live in a dark cave with your mother, (who also happens to be an evil disgusting monster), lonely, never having a friend of any kind, spending your entire life listening to happiness and grand celebrations that you can never be a part of. And why can't you be a part of it? Why can't you be accepted, loved, and happy? Because you happened to be born as a monster. Why were you born a monster? Because you are the descendant of a man that killed his brother, a decision he made before you were even thought of, and yet, your life is part of his punishment! Shunned and cursed for things completely out of your own control. Who wouldn't be angry? Who wouldn't lash out in some way? Granted, creeping into a castle in the middle of the night to massacre people who have nothing to do with your life situation isn't really the best way to handle things.. but hey, everyone handles their issues differently right?... But seriously, when reading stories, it is always important, and honestly a lot more interesting to consider the motivations of the antagonist. Put yourself in their shoes! And then decide if they are still as horrible as they initially may seem. So, in my case, I feel bad for the poor fellow! He did make some questionable decisions, but hey, who doesn't? What do you guys think? You have sympathy for him like me, or think him to be a monster that deserved everything he got?
This reminds me of Oedipus. Oedipus was punished for one of his ancestors wrong doing/sin. He caused the curse in effort to avoid the curse. Can we say good intentions, bad decision although either way the curse would have affected him either way because of the wrong doings of his ancestors.
I agree that this whole concept of being punished for your ancestors wrong doings/sins is coo coo for co co puffs but we the story can also be telling us to live right so that our childrens childrens children don't have to suffer for what we did.
I love that you went into depth with this work and seen Grendel as more than your average antagonist. When reading it wonderful to make connections and to make a understanding on a much deeper level. When thinking of it, most people can relate to even taking responsibility and punishment for someone's wrong doings.
I'm glad you focused on him in this way. Most people would (not saying you all do) automatically hate him as a character because he is seen as a villain. You focused on his background and what made him turn into such an evil person. It shows that you actually sat there and thought about him. I viewed his character in the same way though because I am sure he would have never turned out that way if it was not for what Cain did so many years ago. He is just a lonely, angry "monster" letting his emotions out on people that shun and fear him.
I think that Grendel did deserve at least one friend, besides his mother. I think that if he at least had a friend he would be a lot less hateful. Not just a regular friend who is exactly like him, but a friend like Enkiduh to Gilgamesh. someone similar but different in decision making
This reminds me of Oedipus. Oedipus was punished for one of his ancestors wrong doing/sin. He caused the curse in effort to avoid the curse. Can we say good intentions, bad decision although either way the curse would have affected him either way because of the wrong doings of his ancestors.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this whole concept of being punished for your ancestors wrong doings/sins is coo coo for co co puffs but we the story can also be telling us to live right so that our childrens childrens children don't have to suffer for what we did.
I love that you went into depth with this work and seen Grendel as more than your average antagonist. When reading it wonderful to make connections and to make a understanding on a much deeper level. When thinking of it, most people can relate to even taking responsibility and punishment for someone's wrong doings.
ReplyDeleteGreat connection to our humanity and what may turn us to turn into a "monster" too.
DeleteI'm glad you focused on him in this way. Most people would (not saying you all do) automatically hate him as a character because he is seen as a villain. You focused on his background and what made him turn into such an evil person. It shows that you actually sat there and thought about him. I viewed his character in the same way though because I am sure he would have never turned out that way if it was not for what Cain did so many years ago. He is just a lonely, angry "monster" letting his emotions out on people that shun and fear him.
ReplyDeleteI think that Grendel did deserve at least one friend, besides his mother. I think that if he at least had a friend he would be a lot less hateful. Not just a regular friend who is exactly like him, but a friend like Enkiduh to Gilgamesh. someone similar but different in decision making
ReplyDelete