By being curious, watching, and interacting with humans it began the rode to Grendel’s demise. Time is passing slower and slower for Grendel. Unexciting, unchanging, the Danes carry on their dreary meaningless lives while Grendel awaits for something new and exciting to happen. Finally, one day Grendel’s “prayers” are answered foreigners, the Geats appear in Hrothgar’s bay. These men clearly did not lack in courage or might, which left Grendel unsure whether to feel scared or not. As we all know these men are Beowulf and his crew, but by being so mysterious Grendel, still a young curious monster, is intrigued by these men. Due to Grendel’s mechanical habit of being drawn to human custom, he must go down and watch the new strangers. Claiming to come in peace, these outsiders say they have come to kill the “…enemy who stalks your hall at night…” Grendel. These men were obviously dangerous, which only fascinated Grendel more making him excited and terrified for their final “…hour of…meeting…” Observing these men ultimately resulted in Grendel’s demise. Every choice Grendel has made since the first night where he got caught between two trees has led to this moment, the moment where Beowulf becomes an infamous hero. “Things fade, alternatives exclude” by choosing to interfere with ruthless humans, Grendel has lost the life he could have had if he had stayed in his cave. It was the beginning of the end, and I guess for Grendel, curiosity did kill the cat.
In chapter eleven Grendel watches the arrival of Beowulf and his crew of fourteen thanes. He watches as the party is confronted by the lone coastguard, who fearlessly stands in the strangers’ way and asks of their identity. Grendel laughs at this scenario. He sees it silly that the single defender, brainwashed by the ideas of heroism, would stand to fight a group of fifteen armed intruders. Fortunately for the guard, the strangers have no intention on raiding, and instead declare friendship to Hrothgar and plan to assist him in fighting the monsta. Grendel’s initial reaction to the arrival of the newcomers is excitement and joy. He imagines himself devouring the new strangers and being able to extend his acts of terror to other nations. By doing this Grendel is able to partially break the tedium in his life and experience something new. However, Grendel’s secondary reaction upon observing Beowulf, their leader, is less confident. Grendel is intimidated by the large build, powerful muscles, and confidence of the hero. As he watches the large, beardless man boast about his accomplishments, Grendel feels a spasm of terror, just as he did in the presence of the dragon. Beforehand, when the Geats were marching off to Hrothgar’s city, Grendel finds himself trying to sleep in his cave. He feels himself falling into deep thought about the nature of humans. Grendel finds it odd how humans are willing give up all of their virtues in exchange for momentary, instinctual pleasure. He then comes to believe that law and order is simply an illusion made to mask the inner criminal intent and inherent evilness of human nature. Grendel then contemplates his upcoming decisions. He assumes victory over Beowulf would be uncertain odds, so he reasons it possible to hold off on his desires and refrain from attacking Heorot while Beowulf guards the hall. Unfortunately for Grendel, his instincts and desires out way the advice from his higher thinking. By the end of the chapter, he steps up to confront Beowulf. -David
11. In a word, Grendel is…bored. Grendel loves to meddle in human affairs. He frightens them, kills them, and destroys many things they own including Hrothgars prized mead hall. He tries to create chaos in their world, but nothing interesting seems to be happening. No one is acting like Grendel wants the people of Hrothgars kingdom to. He wants them to be on their knees begging for mercy to their god that has no intent of coming to their rescue or showing any sign of lifting the curse known as Grendel. One day however, Grendel’s hopes of having a little entertainment have arrived on the sore of the Danes. A band of men a bored a small ship arrive on the beach and claim to be friends of the king Hrothgar. (We all who this is right?) When this man and his group arrive at the mead hall, they are confronted my Unferth about his supposedly super human feats one of which, won a swimming race against Breca. I feel bad for Unferth because he is trying to argue with the most famed warrior of the time, and he’s drunk. These men where sent here to kill a monsta. (Yes that was on purpose.) These men where sent to kill the abomination destroying the property of a king and slaughtering his people. These men, where sent to kill Grendel. We all know what happens in the end. This is a classic case of karma. If you bring death and destruction to others, the same will be returned to you and in this case, Grendel will face judgment at the hands of Beowulf. ~Ben Moseley
In this chapter, Grendel uses mechanical imagery to describe Beowulf—perhaps the most significant instance of the many mechanical images and characterizations that appear throughout the novel.The choice to describe Beowulf as a machine, then, is a bit puzzling. Though the human beings in Grendel may be silly, absurd, or even one-dimensionally metaphorical, they are all real humans with real flaws and limitations. Beowulf, on the other hand, comes across as fantastic and supernatural, almost like a science-fiction android. He never blinks, and when he speaks, his words do not seem to match the movements of his mouth, as if his body were merely a shell or a disguise. Grendel describes the workings of Beowulf’s brain as “stone-cold, grinding like a millwheel.” On one hand, associating Beowulf with machines caused me to cast a critical eye on his character. Like so many other aspects of the original Bowulf poem, perhaps we are meant to question Beowulf’s heroism, to ask ourselves whether the unchallenged admiration he is granted in Beowulf is truly deserved. Furthermore, Beowulf’s machinelike appearance is also ironically appropriate, as it means that the very thing Grendel rails against throughout the novel is what finally causes his downfall.
Grendel still waits for a change, he sits around never bored than ever. “Tedium is the worst pain”, Grendel is lonelier than ever and everything has been very repetitive. There has not been anything interesting in a long time. At last, Grendel is no longer bored because men have arrived at Hrothgar’s kingdom, the Geats. Soon enough, Grendel realizes that these men are dangerous. They have come to slay him. He knows that these men are brave and strong, which leaves Grendel to decide if he should be afraid of them. Although, Grendel does know that this has all lead to the decisions he made. Grendel chose to attack the people at the mead hall, he chose to become the monster because it gave him a place in the world. “Things fade, alternatives exclude” is exactly what I explained, it is that Grendel made the decision to live the life he does and ignore all the other lives he could have possibly had. To him, it is worth it. Even if it means that his death is coming, he just wants to live an interesting life. This is the beginning of the end for Grendel. Metztli Garcia
This chapter delivers on the terrible tide of anticipation and waiting from the previous two. Tedium and dread give way to joy in Grendel- things have changed! Beowulf and his cohorts have arrived, although Grendel doesn’t yet know what threat they pose. In the last chapter, Grendel’s mother slipped into comprehension enough for one phrase- Beware the fish. This chapter represents the month of Pisces- the fish. In this case, the fish is Beowulf, and the coming of Christianity, often represented by the Bible fish. This is first evidenced on page 155, when Grendel feels as if Beowulf’s body is just the cover for something infinitely more terrible, which it is, or a ruse, which it is even as a religion I suppose. The fish allegory is extended when Grendel describes him as being like a shark, and having sea-pale eyes. Grendel goes on to describe men as loving to slide a mask between the “two snake-pits,” the self and the world. This fits neatly with the dragon’s contempt of man’s theories and illusions. This chapter contains almost every theme from the previous 10- Grendel contemplates the void and chasm he knows will come, but not how. He sees patterns in the wind, and finally accepts that time itself is mechanical and he and Beowulf must both obey it.
In this chapter, Grendel is joyful and a tad nervous about the coming of Beowulf. Grendel senses their arrival and is excited about why they are here and what threat that they could possibly pose. When Beowulf reaches the mead hall, Unferth questions Beowulf and attempts to make him look like a fool. He asks Beowulf about why he lost the swimming contest when he was young and disobeyed the elders of his group by doing so. Throughout the entire statement of Unferth, Beowulf is strangely calm. When Unferth is finished talking, with all of the Danes beginning to think Beowulf is a fool. Beowulf begins to reply by saying that first of all, Unferth is drunk. He then says that on the fifth day, there was a storm which caused the separation of Beowulf and his competitor. According to Beowulf he was sucked down by nine monster and killed all of them, which lead to him loosing the race. Grendel realizes that he has underestimated Beowulf and that he does not have any idea how much danger he poses. The chapter ends with Grendel about to attack the mead hall.
Following the insufferably boundless years Grendel endured (after his childhood of course, which, so he says, he enjoyed), Grendel experiences a new emotion that brings excitement into his life, like the Shaper had once done. As the Geats arrive at the wearied kingdom of Hrothgar, Grendel once again feels joy and motivation, as his egregious heart palpitates at the sight of visitors. This feeling lingers for some time until Grendel observes the stature of the tremendous geat erect on the beach, who in Grendel's words has the "shoulders of a horse" and "arms like beams". By this time, Grendel experiences a new emotion that makes his stomach throb, something he only truly felt as a consequence of blood frothing about his stomach- that of anxiety and agitation. Although he feels this sentiment, it cannot mask the utter joy and excitement that pounds about his chest. Grendel has finally climbed out of the chasm he had been stuck into for years, just only to be shoved back down into it soon enough. -julian
In Chapter 11, a so called "hero" that goes by the name of Beowulf has arrived at Hrothgar's island along with the other fourteen thanes. They are confronted by one of Hrothgar's watchmen and they exchange details with each other. Beowulf has came to "give Hrothgar advice." Grendel felt joy run upon himself, but he also felt intimidated due to the appearance of Beowulf (Very strong). It was a feeling he felt when he met the dragon. Grendel was deciding if he should not attack Hrothgar's hall until Beowulf leaves, but he could not resist and next thing you know, Grendel and Beowulf confront each other...
The second to last chapter is what the entire book has been leading up to, and it is painfully uneventful. One cold morning, a large ship lands on a beach near the meadhall, and one coast guard dude goes to investigate, to be confronted by giant men, built like trees. The leader of these men, the Geats, tells the guard that he has advice to give to Hrothgar. We obviously know that this burly stranger is Beowulf. Later, the Geats and Scyldings had a large feast at the meadhall, which hosted Beowulf and his self-advertisment. Beowulf told of the story of how he swam in the ocean for five days, when he was dragged down to the sea floor by a monster, but his incredible strength saved him. Impressed with Beowulf, Hrothgar accepted him as family and was eager to let him protect the meadhall by killing Grendel. -Sebastian
The Great Geat Beowulf—“you’ve heard of his father, a famous old man named Ecgtheow?”—has finally come to Daneland, and with the greatest of his fellow Geat warriors, no less. Hurrah, hurrah, the solution to Hrothgar’s mon-stah infestation has come. He is less ecstatic than he should be at the prospect, however, his opinion matching those of his people. As Grendel said, their pride lies in their honor, and having another group of warriors finish the job for them is not incredibly honorable in their eyes. They welcome him into their meadhall nonetheless. Unferth breaches the topic of the waged water war between Breca and Beowulf, just as in the original novel, taunting him with his loss. Beowulf counters with the tale of how he courageously killed sea monster after sea monster, thus detaining him and delaying his ETA. With Unferth at a loss for words, the feast continues into night, where the thanes promptly rush to beat curfew. Grendel strikes.
Now there is doubt. As experienced with the ram, where he simply could not kill it, Grendel is ecstatic about Beowulf coming to Heorot but when he lays eyes on the man he is filled with doubt. Apparently, Beowulf's shoulders are insanely massive. Nonetheless, Grendel follows them to the hall and observes the Dane's reaction to the arrival of the Geats. Grendel watches them sit quietly, watching their honor tarnished as they are saved by another nation. He watches Ork contemplate his meeting with "The Destroyer" and most of all, he watches the boasting match. First, Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a swimming match to Breca. Beowulf first replies by saying that Unferth is drunk and then by noting that Uferth did in fact kill his family. Then he goes on to explain how he killed nine sea monsters and at this Grendel comes to understand that Beowulf is insane. Grendel sees that, a) Beowulf really does believe every word he said and b) is a kind of sociopath in that he regards such an insult as to bring up Unferth's darker deeds in a lighthearted manner. So there you have it, Beowulf is an insane sociopath.
Alas, the arrival of Beowulf! “Tedium is the worst pain.” Grendel is more bored then ever. He aches for excitement. At this point in the story, everyone’s life seems dull. Repetitive, Mechanical, boring. This is until the arrival of Beowulf, the powerful Geat with the strength of thirty thanes. Grendel of course, does not yet know whom Beowulf is but is exited for his arrival. Thinking that it will make his life more exiting. Grendel becomes interested with this stranger and decides to stalk him and his men. He finds out that the stranger has come to kill him. Grendel is exited but scared at the same time. He tries to give himself reasons why he should not be scared but ultimately he does experience fear because of Beowulf’s appearance, courage, and stories about his physical ability. Grendel decides however that he would have to kill this stranger. Grendel’ s infatuation with humans is what led him to his demise. Grendel accepts that he too is mechanical, he does not use common sense while watching the humans, he lets curiosity over take him. If only Grendel knew how lethal curiosity could be.
In Chapter 11 Grendel gets more suspicious about the stranger that has arrived. He notices something fishy. He knows something bad is going to happen because his heart races and the way the stranger talks. Grendel just doesn’t trust these new strangers. He doesn’t trust them but yet he wants to meet them. He finds something exciting but yet terrifying about Beowulf. He is excited because it’s something new for him. In the other chapter he is waiting for something that he feels is coming but doesn’t know what it is. He finally found out what it was so now he is filled with joy. On the other hand he feels fear because he knows he is going to die. He can stop it but he cant resist not going to the meadhall. “It is time.”(166)
In the beginning of this chapter Grendel experiences tedium more than ever. He’s extremely bored and finds everything to be very dull. Grendel is desperate for something to change or occur and bring him excitement. He feels joy when he sees that Beowulf and his Danes have arrived. He is very happy something new has happened to him but in no little time feels uneasy and uncomfortable about things. He senses that something will occur but doesn’t seem to understand what it is. Grendel wonders a lot and wants answers. Stephanie Medina
In this chapter Grendel finds a new play toy, Beowulf has arrived. Grendel, upon seeing Beowulf, is intrigued by his obvious insanity. Its as if John Gardner wants to insult Christianity or the coming of Christ to the Danes. Well kudos to you idiot. If you want to insult a major religion and then expect your book to sell go ahead. *Ahem* as I was saying before my common sense interrupted me, Beowulf is broken.............(The second part of this message is going to be on chapter 12 because this chapter leads right into the next chapter and the rest of my idiotic speech)
Dear Amy, In this chapter, Grendel while spying lays his first sight on a stranger, who would be later known as Beowulf. This stranger Grendel has never met before, says he comes to give advice to King Hrothgar. Grendel describes this stranger with eyes slanted downward, never blinking, unfeeling as a snake's, and had no beard than a fish. Grendel describes this stranger, Beowulf as not a man. After, this stranger says he will help kill their monster, Grendel laughs, and feels a new emotion. Grendel feels eagerness, and at the same time feels apprehensive of fighting Beowulf. Although Grendel describes Beowulf with a gentle voice, and childlike, however Grendel sees that he has a dangerous smile. And this makes Grendel somewhat nervous of fighting him. But of course, Grendel looks forward to fighting to Beowulf, because he has not have anyone challenging him, and Hrothgar is his own joke. Personally, Grendel sees something new, and feels eager to fight Beowulf. But something tells Grendel to be warned of Beowulf. Beowulf is briefly described to have grotesquely muscle shoulders, sleek with a belly of a shark, and rippled with the power as the shoulder of a horse. And yet Grendel knows this stranger is dangerous, Grendel still feels his eagerness to fight him. Grendel does knot know if he is afraid or not. And while he studies humans, he knows they make up meaningless patterns that do not exist. Humans make orders and patterns to make out the reality. Grendel who is eager to fight the stranger, however feels apprehensive of fighting this stranger. However, Grendel says "Tedium is the worst pain." Which means boredom is like another idea of death. Grendel decides it either live or not live. Because ehe knows they will be nothing else to do once Hrothgar is dead. So Grendel feels he must make the best of the time. Things eventually die out, and you can never choose the path, you wished you chose in the past. Therefore, Grendel feels he does not want to have any regret of not fighting Beowulf when he had the chance. Grendel sees that people need religion when things don't go so well. And this is how Grendel decides his choice to fight Grendel because we all can't have things forever, things die and fade away, and you can never change the path you have chosen to shape your future. In conclusion, Grendel decides to fight Beowulf. Sincerely, Dylan
Part 2 But Grendel shows his loyalty to Hrothgar meaning he feels bad he put Hrothgar in this position to be so desperate for help, he asked for Beowulf's help. Weirdly enough, Grendel decides he will kill Grendel but never kill Hrothgar because he has some loyalty to Hrothgar. Grendel wants to spare Hrothgar's honor because he had already destroyed it by asking for someone's help proving he is a coward. When Grendel spies on Beowulf in the meadhall, he sees Unferth standing up and questioning Beowulf's own courage of losing to Breca in a race, proving Beowulf is not strong. Beowulf simply replies that he had defeated Breca and because of him sails will have no trouble passing the sea. And Beowulf humiliates Unferth by asking what better has he done other than killing his own brother. Causing Unferth to weep and run away. Seeing this Grendel describes Beowulf to be a snake with narrow slits for eyes. This description describes the danger of Beowulf. And seeing Beowulf react calmly to an insult, scares Grendel because it shows that there is no soul in him. Grendel grows more afraid and afraid of him with the feeling he has of Beowulf. And also the reason, how Beowulf kept his peace, which proves hie is even more dangerous than he looks. Grendel feels that Beowulf is dangerous, and creeps out and scares Grendel. Which causes Grendel even more uncertainty. However, the main reason why Beowulf wants to fight the stranger because Beowulff has to be the hero, and Grendel has to be the monster. Grendel cannot be the monster without Beowulf, and Beowulf cannot be the hero without a monster. So at the same time, fate brings those two together to clash in the next chapter.
A Antagonists cannot be the antagonists without Beowulf, and Beowulf cannot be the Protagonist without a antagonist.Beowulf was mean to unferth about how he has done nothing.
By being curious, watching, and interacting with humans it began the rode to Grendel’s demise. Time is passing slower and slower for Grendel. Unexciting, unchanging, the Danes carry on their dreary meaningless lives while Grendel awaits for something new and exciting to happen. Finally, one day Grendel’s “prayers” are answered foreigners, the Geats appear in Hrothgar’s bay. These men clearly did not lack in courage or might, which left Grendel unsure whether to feel scared or not. As we all know these men are Beowulf and his crew, but by being so mysterious Grendel, still a young curious monster, is intrigued by these men. Due to Grendel’s mechanical habit of being drawn to human custom, he must go down and watch the new strangers. Claiming to come in peace, these outsiders say they have come to kill the “…enemy who stalks your hall at night…” Grendel. These men were obviously dangerous, which only fascinated Grendel more making him excited and terrified for their final “…hour of…meeting…” Observing these men ultimately resulted in Grendel’s demise. Every choice Grendel has made since the first night where he got caught between two trees has led to this moment, the moment where Beowulf becomes an infamous hero. “Things fade, alternatives exclude” by choosing to interfere with ruthless humans, Grendel has lost the life he could have had if he had stayed in his cave. It was the beginning of the end, and I guess for Grendel, curiosity did kill the cat.
ReplyDelete~Shelby
In chapter eleven Grendel watches the arrival of Beowulf and his crew of fourteen thanes. He watches as the party is confronted by the lone coastguard, who fearlessly stands in the strangers’ way and asks of their identity. Grendel laughs at this scenario. He sees it silly that the single defender, brainwashed by the ideas of heroism, would stand to fight a group of fifteen armed intruders. Fortunately for the guard, the strangers have no intention on raiding, and instead declare friendship to Hrothgar and plan to assist him in fighting the monsta. Grendel’s initial reaction to the arrival of the newcomers is excitement and joy. He imagines himself devouring the new strangers and being able to extend his acts of terror to other nations. By doing this Grendel is able to partially break the tedium in his life and experience something new. However, Grendel’s secondary reaction upon observing Beowulf, their leader, is less confident. Grendel is intimidated by the large build, powerful muscles, and confidence of the hero. As he watches the large, beardless man boast about his accomplishments, Grendel feels a spasm of terror, just as he did in the presence of the dragon. Beforehand, when the Geats were marching off to Hrothgar’s city, Grendel finds himself trying to sleep in his cave. He feels himself falling into deep thought about the nature of humans. Grendel finds it odd how humans are willing give up all of their virtues in exchange for momentary, instinctual pleasure. He then comes to believe that law and order is simply an illusion made to mask the inner criminal intent and inherent evilness of human nature. Grendel then contemplates his upcoming decisions. He assumes victory over Beowulf would be uncertain odds, so he reasons it possible to hold off on his desires and refrain from attacking Heorot while Beowulf guards the hall. Unfortunately for Grendel, his instincts and desires out way the advice from his higher thinking. By the end of the chapter, he steps up to confront Beowulf. -David
ReplyDelete11. In a word, Grendel is…bored. Grendel loves to meddle in human affairs. He frightens them, kills them, and destroys many things they own including Hrothgars prized mead hall. He tries to create chaos in their world, but nothing interesting seems to be happening. No one is acting like Grendel wants the people of Hrothgars kingdom to. He wants them to be on their knees begging for mercy to their god that has no intent of coming to their rescue or showing any sign of lifting the curse known as Grendel. One day however, Grendel’s hopes of having a little entertainment have arrived on the sore of the Danes. A band of men a bored a small ship arrive on the beach and claim to be friends of the king Hrothgar. (We all who this is right?) When this man and his group arrive at the mead hall, they are confronted my Unferth about his supposedly super human feats one of which, won a swimming race against Breca. I feel bad for Unferth because he is trying to argue with the most famed warrior of the time, and he’s drunk. These men where sent here to kill a monsta. (Yes that was on purpose.) These men where sent to kill the abomination destroying the property of a king and slaughtering his people. These men, where sent to kill Grendel. We all know what happens in the end. This is a classic case of karma. If you bring death and destruction to others, the same will be returned to you and in this case, Grendel will face judgment at the hands of Beowulf.
ReplyDelete~Ben Moseley
In this chapter, Grendel uses mechanical imagery to describe Beowulf—perhaps the most significant instance of the many mechanical images and characterizations that appear throughout the novel.The choice to describe Beowulf as a machine, then, is a bit puzzling. Though the human beings in Grendel may be silly, absurd, or even one-dimensionally metaphorical, they are all real humans with real flaws and limitations. Beowulf, on the other hand, comes across as fantastic and supernatural, almost like a science-fiction android. He never blinks, and when he speaks, his words do not seem to match the movements of his mouth, as if his body were merely a shell or a disguise. Grendel describes the workings of Beowulf’s brain as “stone-cold, grinding like a millwheel.” On one hand, associating Beowulf with machines caused me to cast a critical eye on his character. Like so many other aspects of the original Bowulf poem, perhaps we are meant to question Beowulf’s heroism, to ask ourselves whether the unchallenged admiration he is granted in Beowulf is truly deserved. Furthermore, Beowulf’s machinelike appearance is also ironically appropriate, as it means that the very thing Grendel rails against throughout the novel is what finally causes his downfall.
ReplyDeleteGrendel still waits for a change, he sits around never bored than ever. “Tedium is the worst pain”, Grendel is lonelier than ever and everything has been very repetitive. There has not been anything interesting in a long time. At last, Grendel is no longer bored because men have arrived at Hrothgar’s kingdom, the Geats. Soon enough, Grendel realizes that these men are dangerous. They have come to slay him. He knows that these men are brave and strong, which leaves Grendel to decide if he should be afraid of them. Although, Grendel does know that this has all lead to the decisions he made. Grendel chose to attack the people at the mead hall, he chose to become the monster because it gave him a place in the world. “Things fade, alternatives exclude” is exactly what I explained, it is that Grendel made the decision to live the life he does and ignore all the other lives he could have possibly had. To him, it is worth it. Even if it means that his death is coming, he just wants to live an interesting life. This is the beginning of the end for Grendel.
ReplyDeleteMetztli Garcia
This chapter delivers on the terrible tide of anticipation and waiting from the previous two. Tedium and dread give way to joy in Grendel- things have changed! Beowulf and his cohorts have arrived, although Grendel doesn’t yet know what threat they pose. In the last chapter, Grendel’s mother slipped into comprehension enough for one phrase- Beware the fish. This chapter represents the month of Pisces- the fish. In this case, the fish is Beowulf, and the coming of Christianity, often represented by the Bible fish. This is first evidenced on page 155, when Grendel feels as if Beowulf’s body is just the cover for something infinitely more terrible, which it is, or a ruse, which it is even as a religion I suppose. The fish allegory is extended when Grendel describes him as being like a shark, and having sea-pale eyes. Grendel goes on to describe men as loving to slide a mask between the “two snake-pits,” the self and the world. This fits neatly with the dragon’s contempt of man’s theories and illusions. This chapter contains almost every theme from the previous 10- Grendel contemplates the void and chasm he knows will come, but not how. He sees patterns in the wind, and finally accepts that time itself is mechanical and he and Beowulf must both obey it.
ReplyDelete-George
no its aquarius-the month of the water-bearer you doofus
DeleteR00d
DeleteIn this chapter, Grendel is joyful and a tad nervous about the coming of Beowulf. Grendel senses their arrival and is excited about why they are here and what threat that they could possibly pose. When Beowulf reaches the mead hall, Unferth questions Beowulf and attempts to make him look like a fool. He asks Beowulf about why he lost the swimming contest when he was young and disobeyed the elders of his group by doing so. Throughout the entire statement of Unferth, Beowulf is strangely calm. When Unferth is finished talking, with all of the Danes beginning to think Beowulf is a fool. Beowulf begins to reply by saying that first of all, Unferth is drunk. He then says that on the fifth day, there was a storm which caused the separation of Beowulf and his competitor. According to Beowulf he was sucked down by nine monster and killed all of them, which lead to him loosing the race. Grendel realizes that he has underestimated Beowulf and that he does not have any idea how much danger he poses. The chapter ends with Grendel about to attack the mead hall.
ReplyDeleteAdam
Following the insufferably boundless years Grendel endured (after his childhood of course, which, so he says, he enjoyed), Grendel experiences a new emotion that brings excitement into his life, like the Shaper had once done. As the Geats arrive at the wearied kingdom of Hrothgar, Grendel once again feels joy and motivation, as his egregious heart palpitates at the sight of visitors. This feeling lingers for some time until Grendel observes the stature of the tremendous geat erect on the beach, who in Grendel's words has the "shoulders of a horse" and "arms like beams". By this time, Grendel experiences a new emotion that makes his stomach throb, something he only truly felt as a consequence of blood frothing about his stomach- that of anxiety and agitation. Although he feels this sentiment, it cannot mask the utter joy and excitement that pounds about his chest. Grendel has finally climbed out of the chasm he had been stuck into for years, just only to be shoved back down into it soon enough.
ReplyDelete-julian
In Chapter 11, a so called "hero" that goes by the name of Beowulf has arrived at Hrothgar's island along with the other fourteen thanes. They are confronted by one of Hrothgar's watchmen and they exchange details with each other. Beowulf has came to "give Hrothgar advice." Grendel felt joy run upon himself, but he also felt intimidated due to the appearance of Beowulf (Very strong). It was a feeling he felt when he met the dragon. Grendel was deciding if he should not attack Hrothgar's hall until Beowulf leaves, but he could not resist and next thing you know, Grendel and Beowulf confront each other...
ReplyDeleteThe second to last chapter is what the entire book has been leading up to, and it is painfully uneventful. One cold morning, a large ship lands on a beach near the meadhall, and one coast guard dude goes to investigate, to be confronted by giant men, built like trees. The leader of these men, the Geats, tells the guard that he has advice to give to Hrothgar. We obviously know that this burly stranger is Beowulf. Later, the Geats and Scyldings had a large feast at the meadhall, which hosted Beowulf and his self-advertisment. Beowulf told of the story of how he swam in the ocean for five days, when he was dragged down to the sea floor by a monster, but his incredible strength saved him. Impressed with Beowulf, Hrothgar accepted him as family and was eager to let him protect the meadhall by killing Grendel.
ReplyDelete-Sebastian
The Great Geat Beowulf—“you’ve heard of his father, a famous old man named Ecgtheow?”—has finally come to Daneland, and with the greatest of his fellow Geat warriors, no less. Hurrah, hurrah, the solution to Hrothgar’s mon-stah infestation has come. He is less ecstatic than he should be at the prospect, however, his opinion matching those of his people. As Grendel said, their pride lies in their honor, and having another group of warriors finish the job for them is not incredibly honorable in their eyes. They welcome him into their meadhall nonetheless. Unferth breaches the topic of the waged water war between Breca and Beowulf, just as in the original novel, taunting him with his loss. Beowulf counters with the tale of how he courageously killed sea monster after sea monster, thus detaining him and delaying his ETA. With Unferth at a loss for words, the feast continues into night, where the thanes promptly rush to beat curfew. Grendel strikes.
ReplyDelete—Haven
Now there is doubt. As experienced with the ram, where he simply could not kill it, Grendel is ecstatic about Beowulf coming to Heorot but when he lays eyes on the man he is filled with doubt. Apparently, Beowulf's shoulders are insanely massive. Nonetheless, Grendel follows them to the hall and observes the Dane's reaction to the arrival of the Geats. Grendel watches them sit quietly, watching their honor tarnished as they are saved by another nation. He watches Ork contemplate his meeting with "The Destroyer" and most of all, he watches the boasting match. First, Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a swimming match to Breca. Beowulf first replies by saying that Unferth is drunk and then by noting that Uferth did in fact kill his family. Then he goes on to explain how he killed nine sea monsters and at this Grendel comes to understand that Beowulf is insane. Grendel sees that, a) Beowulf really does believe every word he said and b) is a kind of sociopath in that he regards such an insult as to bring up Unferth's darker deeds in a lighthearted manner. So there you have it, Beowulf is an insane sociopath.
ReplyDeleteCameron
ReplyDeleteAlas, the arrival of Beowulf! “Tedium is the worst pain.” Grendel is more bored then ever. He aches for excitement. At this point in the story, everyone’s life seems dull.
ReplyDeleteRepetitive, Mechanical, boring. This is until the arrival of Beowulf, the powerful Geat with the strength of thirty thanes. Grendel of course, does not yet know whom Beowulf is but is exited for his arrival. Thinking that it will make his life more exiting. Grendel becomes interested with this stranger and decides to stalk him and his men. He finds out that the stranger has come to kill him. Grendel is exited but scared at the same time. He tries to give himself reasons why he should not be scared but ultimately he does experience fear because of Beowulf’s appearance, courage, and stories about his physical ability. Grendel decides however that he would have to kill this stranger. Grendel’ s infatuation with humans is what led him to his demise. Grendel accepts that he too is mechanical, he does not use common sense while watching the humans, he lets curiosity over take him. If only Grendel knew how lethal curiosity could be.
In Chapter 11 Grendel gets more suspicious about the stranger that has arrived. He notices something fishy. He knows something bad is going to happen because his heart races and the way the stranger talks. Grendel just doesn’t trust these new strangers. He doesn’t trust them but yet he wants to meet them. He finds something exciting but yet terrifying about Beowulf. He is excited because it’s something new for him. In the other chapter he is waiting for something that he feels is coming but doesn’t know what it is. He finally found out what it was so now he is filled with joy. On the other hand he feels fear because he knows he is going to die. He can stop it but he cant resist not going to the meadhall. “It is time.”(166)
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of this chapter Grendel experiences tedium more than ever. He’s extremely bored and finds everything to be very dull. Grendel is desperate for something to change or occur and bring him excitement. He feels joy when he sees that Beowulf and his Danes have arrived. He is very happy something new has happened to him but in no little time feels uneasy and uncomfortable about things. He senses that something will occur but doesn’t seem to understand what it is. Grendel wonders a lot and wants answers.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Medina
In this chapter Grendel finds a new play toy, Beowulf has arrived. Grendel, upon seeing Beowulf, is intrigued by his obvious insanity. Its as if John Gardner wants to insult Christianity or the coming of Christ to the Danes. Well kudos to you idiot. If you want to insult a major religion and then expect your book to sell go ahead. *Ahem* as I was saying before my common sense interrupted me, Beowulf is broken.............(The second part of this message is going to be on chapter 12 because this chapter leads right into the next chapter and the rest of my idiotic speech)
ReplyDelete-ALEX
Dear Amy,
ReplyDeleteIn this chapter, Grendel while spying lays his first sight on a stranger, who would be later known as Beowulf. This stranger Grendel has never met before, says he comes to give advice to King Hrothgar. Grendel describes this stranger with eyes slanted downward, never blinking, unfeeling as a snake's, and had no beard than a fish. Grendel describes this stranger, Beowulf as not a man. After, this stranger says he will help kill their monster, Grendel laughs, and feels a new emotion. Grendel feels eagerness, and at the same time feels apprehensive of fighting Beowulf. Although Grendel describes Beowulf with a gentle voice, and childlike, however Grendel sees that he has a dangerous smile. And this makes Grendel somewhat nervous of fighting him. But of course, Grendel looks forward to fighting to Beowulf, because he has not have anyone challenging him, and Hrothgar is his own joke. Personally, Grendel sees something new, and feels eager to fight Beowulf. But something tells Grendel to be warned of Beowulf. Beowulf is briefly described to have grotesquely muscle shoulders, sleek with a belly of a shark, and rippled with the power as the shoulder of a horse. And yet Grendel knows this stranger is dangerous, Grendel still feels his eagerness to fight him. Grendel does knot know if he is afraid or not. And while he studies humans, he knows they make up meaningless patterns that do not exist. Humans make orders and patterns to make out the reality. Grendel who is eager to fight the stranger, however feels apprehensive of fighting this stranger. However, Grendel says "Tedium is the worst pain." Which means boredom is like another idea of death. Grendel decides it either live or not live. Because ehe knows they will be nothing else to do once Hrothgar is dead. So Grendel feels he must make the best of the time. Things eventually die out, and you can never choose the path, you wished you chose in the past. Therefore, Grendel feels he does not want to have any regret of not fighting Beowulf when he had the chance. Grendel sees that people need religion when things don't go so well. And this is how Grendel decides his choice to fight Grendel because we all can't have things forever, things die and fade away, and you can never change the path you have chosen to shape your future. In conclusion, Grendel decides to fight Beowulf.
Sincerely,
Dylan
Part 2
ReplyDeleteBut Grendel shows his loyalty to Hrothgar meaning he feels bad he put Hrothgar in this position to be so desperate for help, he asked for Beowulf's help. Weirdly enough, Grendel decides he will kill Grendel but never kill Hrothgar because he has some loyalty to Hrothgar. Grendel wants to spare Hrothgar's honor because he had already destroyed it by asking for someone's help proving he is a coward. When Grendel spies on Beowulf in the meadhall, he sees Unferth standing up and questioning Beowulf's own courage of losing to Breca in a race, proving Beowulf is not strong. Beowulf simply replies that he had defeated Breca and because of him sails will have no trouble passing the sea. And Beowulf humiliates Unferth by asking what better has he done other than killing his own brother. Causing Unferth to weep and run away. Seeing this Grendel describes Beowulf to be a snake with narrow slits for eyes. This description describes the danger of Beowulf. And seeing Beowulf react calmly to an insult, scares Grendel because it shows that there is no soul in him. Grendel grows more afraid and afraid of him with the feeling he has of Beowulf. And also the reason, how Beowulf kept his peace, which proves hie is even more dangerous than he looks. Grendel feels that Beowulf is dangerous, and creeps out and scares Grendel. Which causes Grendel even more uncertainty. However, the main reason why Beowulf wants to fight the stranger because Beowulff has to be the hero, and Grendel has to be the monster. Grendel cannot be the monster without Beowulf, and Beowulf cannot be the hero without a monster. So at the same time, fate brings those two together to clash in the next chapter.
A Antagonists cannot be the antagonists without Beowulf, and Beowulf cannot be the Protagonist without a antagonist.Beowulf was mean to unferth about how he has done nothing.
ReplyDelete