1. Grendel: An Introduction February 7, 2012

2. Background Information Written by John Gardner in 1971 Retelling of Beowulf from the perspective of Grendel What are some benefits from writing this book from the monster’s perspective?

3. Gardner allows for the story of Beowulf to be seen in a new light. Instead of just viewing Grendel as a physical creature we get a glimpse of what he’s really like. We can understand Grendel’s loneliness and isolation. His strange connection to humans is understood through his fear of them and not just by his attacks on them. Presents an in depth analysis of the struggle between good and evil.

4. Format of the Book Similar to Beowulf, Gardner’s novel can also be described by sections. Section 1: Chapters 1-4 – The world according to Grendel Section 2: Chapters 5-7 – Supplemental characters from Beowulf Section 3: Chapters 8-12 – Grendel’s End (spoiler alert!)