The Contrast between Grendel's Mother and Beowulf

While Beowulf and Grendel’s mother both retaliate to avenge wrongdoings, the author depicts Beowulf as a strong, fearless hero and Grendel’s mother as a monster through dark, pessimistic diction. This distinction likely results from the different expectations and norms of men and women. The author describes the fighting that ensues between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother after the death of Grendel: “The hero observed that swamp-thing from hell, the tarn-hag in all her terrible strength, then heaved his war-sword and swung his arm: the decorated blade came down ringing and singing on her head” (1518-22). The author describes Grendel’s mother through an animalistic lens as “that swamp thing from hell” and “the tarn-hag in all her terrible strength.”  If Grendel identified as a male, the author would likely write about their encounter through a different lens. Overall, characteristics of men starkly contrast with those of women. Beowulf’s strength and power win him praise and contribute to his stance as a hero, whereas the author depicts Grendel’s “terrible strength” as off putting and detracting from the expectations of femininity and passiveness of Grendel’s mother. This contrast exhibits how the author claims that men and women should stick to the strongholds of masculinity and femininity respectively rather than blurring the two. Beowulf works to gain momentum against Grendel’s mother after she attacks him with full force: “So must a man do who intends to gain enduring glory in a combat” (1534-6). The author associates impulse and pride as masculine traits. To restore “societal equilibrium,” Beowulf fights to overpower Grendel’s mother and regain control over the situation. After Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother, the author describes Beowulf as “his courage was proven, his glory was secure” (1646). These conditions boost Beowulf’s already high self-confidence and reinforce his ability to face his opponents and win. Beowulf works to restore order in society and to reassert his position as a protector of others. However, Beowulf acts in his own best interest rather than for others. He seeks the praise and popularity that result from his actions.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What We Hunger For: Deep Thoughts

"Just because you survive something does not mean you are strong." To be completely honest, this story was one that I could almost watch in my head. Perhaps part of that was because it was written vividly with strong imagery and diction; perhaps because I could see a reflection of myself in Gay's story. This year has been a transformative one for me, as I have learned to become more self-aware and acknowledging that there is immense power in naming our struggles. I am consistently told by my friends how "strong, courageous, and unfuckwithable" I am... which, I think, genuinely stems from my inability to be comfortable. I've survived too much. I've been exposed to and made it through too much... and apparently, the fact that I managed to make it "out" of those immediate situations is seen as strong. However, I am very thankful that Gay made the comment above. To me, I've always seen strength as how people cope with the long-term effects o...
Read more

A word is a word is a word

In "Bad Feminist: Take One," Gay opens up about her inner quarrels regarding her identification as a feminist. This is something I, too struggled with. At the time, the term was gaining a less than popular connotation, with a minority of the movement taking it upon themselves to spread their isolated belief that women rise above the equilibrium of society; they are superior to men and all men are inherently awful. It is easy to understand, then, why a young girl that does not share these extreme views and stereotypes may not want to be a placed beneath a spot light during such a tense situation, and would subsequently ditch the term. Ditching the term, for me at least, did not mean that I lost my way and would slowly evolve into the submissive, modest, and good woman deemed to be the ideal. Although, ditching the term is controversial and some may see it as a betrayal to the movement executed by a ‘ bad ’ woman. If the individuals remains true to their beliefs and conti...
Read more

Fifty Shades of Fantasy

I've never been too intrigued by all the 50 Shades of Grey concept. As a social work major, reading the first book in the series and watching the first movie with my aunt (yes- my AUNT...), all I could think of when I was exposed to that plot was the lack of focus on Christian's real need and outcry for help. The novel flips the 'usual' narrative of the woman being the victim and her inability to retain a healthy relationship, and shows us a man who seeks domination and control, which- some argue- is what women *really* want. I will not be the first to argue that point. In "The Trouble With Prince Charming," Gay references 50 Shades and how the author uses a disgusting sense of erotica that we can't help but be turned on by, to romanticise the idea of pure abuse, submission, and toxicity in the text. I will commend the story on one thing: Christian is adamant about consent. Mostly because it could result in a MAJOR lawsuit against him if ever interprete...
Read more