Subject: How Human are Grendel and his Mother?
Although a cursory analysis of the poem may lead one
to see Grendel and his mother as quintessential representations of a belial and insensate monstrosity that is in diametrical opposition to ubiquitous expectations for tellurians regarding affect, indices of the physicality, etc., closer examination of the text reveals the astonishing possibility that these purportedly nefarious and murderous monsters may be more human than their "civilized" enemies, using violence in an act of desperation to overcome the hegemonic hedonists who eschew them and treat them as anathema while forcing them to abscond to live as pariahs in the wilderness. Furthermore, I will show by proceeding apodictically, that Grendel and his mother have an intrinsic sense of morality and virtue that is rare among most humans; unfortunately, the stereotypical generalizations, premature attributions, and provincialism of this pantheon(qualities which the Danes and Geats also categorically exemplify, for if a "perfect being" uses flawed reasoning then, a fortiori, "mortal men will also?"), frustrates this forlorn family to the point of taking actions which are antithetical to their beliefs.
…
