An Analysis Of Grendel's Self-Image

Grendel faces many challenges throughout the story regarding his self-image. Fortunately, his self-image is dynamic until the end of the story. In the beginning of the story, Grendel is walking amongst different animals and he holds his Nihilistic view of them. For example, he says “Not, of course, that I fool myself with thoughts that I'm more noble. Pointless, ridiculous monster crouched in the shadows, stinking of dead men, murdered children, martyred cows. (I am neither proud nor ashamed, understand. One more dull victim, leering at seasons that never were meant to be observed.)(Gardner 6). He doesn't state that he is in higher regard than the rest of the creatures, but he contains his perspective that the rest of the world wouldn’t be able to exist with him gone. That is why Grendel resists jumping in the cliff scene because he is unsure of his own existence at times, questioning himself (Gardner 28). …show more content…
From the first time the two meet in the woods, Grendel knew that humans were different than all other creatures in that they were pattern makers and could even speak the same language (with difficulty in interpretation) (Gardner Chapter 2). Hrothgar affects Grendel in reducing Grendel’s Nihilistic view of himself and the world around him. Another way Hrothgar influences Grendel’s self-image is the constant warring between the local tribes and clans. Grendel witnesses this fighting which changes his perception that he possibly is in higher position than the humans because of their “waste of food” and fighting (Gardner