Question

Although Grendel in Beowulf represents all that is evil, Gardner seems to take a different, more complex approach. Identify some signs of potential goodness in Grendel. What prevents these "seeds" of goodness from developing?

Answer 1

Grendel is protective of what is his, which would make him fight for those he loves. He also is not afraid of a challenge and would gladly risk his life in order to do what he feels is right. What stops these seeds from developing is Grendel's greed as well as his mother's role-modeling influence on him as he was being brought up.