Questions About Grendel

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Answered Questions (2)

I'm almost done here and I'm thinking how connected I feel to this monster. Anyone else feel that way? Like you could be him, or at the very least just hang out with him?

Andrea Gabriel I don't even need to write my memoir now. John Gardner has already done it.
…moreI don't even need to write my memoir now. John Gardner has already done it.
(less)

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Must students read Beowulf before reading Grendel, or can they read the novel without having any context of the poem?

Eric F I read Grendel first. I was aware of the Beowulf story, but I had no idea how it went. I have now read Beowulf.
I like Grendel better than Boewulf or a…moreI read Grendel first. I was aware of the Beowulf story, but I had no idea how it went. I have now read Beowulf.
I like Grendel better than Boewulf or any of the other Danes or Geats. They are all nasty brutes that care only for killing and alcohol, and how much gold (or honor?) that will get them.
Grendel is a monster, but he is not only self aware, but he knows the Danes better than they know themselves.
So I recommend reading Grendel first, because it will highlight just how nasty the humans were (and are).(less)

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Unanswered Questions (2)

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All I remember is that I read a quote to my college roomie about Grendel eating an old woman, and she tasted of urine and bile and we laughed and laughed and laughed. Anyone else find this funny at times? If so, what tickled you?

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