Beowulf Vs. Grendel :: essays research papers

Grendal, a descendant of Cain, is angiotensin-converting enzyme of the main antagonist of the poem Beowulf. He lives under an catching curse and is denied Gods presence. Throughout the story Grendal causes enormous grief and fear to the people of Herot. After so much pain and agony the major power of Herot, Hrothgar, sends for the protagonist of the poem, Beowulf. He is a Geat and the epic hero of the poem. The wide variety of distinctions between Grendal and Beowulf is what develops the climax of the composition. Beowulf kills Grendal, so he is honored by the people of Herot for his imposing act. Since Grendal and Beowulf play opposite roles in the poem, Beowulf, they let the reader know how contrasting characters can develop the plot of the story. Grendal is known as a monster and portrays one of the many villains in the poem. He is referred to as the "guardian of his sins". Grendal depicts a heathen the physical image of man estranged from God. Basically, Grendal refl ects a physical monster, an ogre who is incompatible to humanity. Grendals constant visits to Hrothgars mead hall for bloody feasts made him feel powerful over Gods humanity. Unfortunately, the night Beowulf lies in wait for him, he assumes that his bloody feasts will continue and Grendal gives no attention to his method of attack. Grendal is then killed. Beowulf, the heroic figure in the poem, is known throughout the land as a courageous man who performs great deeds of valor. He is a Geat, who later becomes the king of the Geats. Beowulfs strength seems to be a gift from God. As a noble and kind man, Beowulf comes to Herot to save them from Gods foe. Before Beowulf initiates battle with Grendal he exhibits a sense of fairness in not using a weapon against the monster. This demonstrates a great difference between the two characters. Had Beowulfs attack not been unexpected, Grendal surely would have used a weapon. Beowulfs frustration against Grendal sets one of the first stepping stones to his long legacy of heroic deeds. Both of these characters remain static throughout the poem. Beowulf portrays the heroic figure who saves everyone, while Grendal always remains criminal with bad intentions. Grendal attacks mead hall because of jealousy. Grendal envies the fellowship and happiness he observes. He dislikes living in the outer world, excluded from the company of men thus he stalks the moors, jealous of the pleasures of mankind.