Examples Of Human Nature In Beowulf

In Beowulf there is great exploration into the aspects of human nature, and what makes someone human. A considerable theme in the text is the aspects of monstrous behaviour and how it is viewed in a prehistoric society. In Beowulf, Grendel is set up to embody a monstrous nature when compared to Beowulf. While it is clear that Grendel is inhuman his basic instincts, motivations and feelings are human. Grendel experiences humility, envy and pain. But due to Grendel's inability to consider others and his lack of honour his actions are purely monstrous. This is reinforced by Grendel's apparent lack of faith in God and therefore his exile and solitude. This leads Grendel to be entirely monstrous in his physical and spiritual presence regardless …show more content…
This is where honour comes in to play when comparing monstrous behaviour with human behaviour. The honourable thing to do would be to compensate the families that Grendel has harmed and in turn that action would be the humane action. Grendel wants no peace with mankind (Beowulf 154) and thus offers no compensation. Beowulf on the other hand is very concerned with taking the honourable route. When he goes to fight Grendel, even if Grendel does not deserve it, Beowulf discards his armour and weapons (Beowulf 680-687) because Grendel will not have any weapon or defence besides himself to aid him in the fight. The reason that Grendel cannot be honourable is because of the fact he is a solitary creature. Grendel has never had to think of anyone but himself and so he does not understand the value of honour and compensation. In the poem Grendel is described as a "foe of mankind, fearsome and solitary" (Beowulf 164), Grendel having no kin and no sense of human relationships make him a monster to the people as they see being lonesome as something inhuman. Being apart of a group and working to better the group at your own sacrifice was something that was a crucial part of identity back then. There was no independence and if there was it was as some form of punishment. In Grendel's case him being cut off from contact is a form of punishment from …show more content…
Grendel is a creature that has been condemned by the creator himself and sent to live among Cain's race (Beowulf 106-107) and through this his monstrous qualities become apparent. While Grendel subconsciously has human emotions and his motivations are driven by human instincts his conscious decisions are what make him the godless creature people see. Being a monster has a very religious undertone and not adhering to religious expectations and rules brands you a monster. Grendel violates all religious criteria because he has no faith in the Creator and has been condemned to the race of Cain (Beowulf 106-107). The mead hall that Hrothgar built was meant to be a place where God's gifts could be given and shared among all men (Beowulf 71-72) and the fact that Grendel seeks to tarnish what the mead hall stands for, is proving that he is unholy and has no care for the "creator" that the humans in Beowulf care so much for. Grendel is also portrayed as having no human regret or remorse over his sins and wrongdoings (Beowulf 136-137), instead he "rejoiced in his booty" (Beowulf 124) regardless of who he has caused to suffer. When compared to Beowulf who is said to have the Makers strength and favour (Beowulf 670) and has great faith in God and the Lords Judgement (Beowulf 441). Beowulf's conviction and his piety are what make him a hero due to the fact that his devotion