Beowulf Review: Part 2 (Whoa, Mama!)

As a woman, Grendel’s mother has offered her son as a “peace-pledge” and been rejected.

Grendel’s mother seeks vengeance not just on her son’s killers, but on all humanity.

Though an outsider, Grendel’s mother has always wanted to be a part of Hrothgar’s community until this point.

Though an outsider, Grendel’s mother is pursuing vengeance in alignment with the heroic code of the Danes themselves.

The Danes claim that Grendel’s kind are “fatherless” and therefore not to be trusted by the patriarchal society of the poem.

The Danes claim that Grendel’s mother cannot seek vengeance by the fact that she is a woman, and only men can seek vengeance.

The Danes and Geats keep careful track of their histories, just like Grendel and Grendel’s mother have an extensive lineage.

Grendel’s family lineage is extensively discussed, while the lineages of Danish and Geatish heroes are barely mentioned.

Because their roots extend back into ancient history, they command greater respect than humanity can give.

Grendel and his mother are held responsible for the sin of Cain, their supposed ancestor.

Grendel and his mother’s relation to Cain is the subject of pity, since they cannot be blamed for Cain’s sin.

Grendel and his mother are revealed to be Danes, though cast out for a betrayal long ago.

Christianity dampens the poem’s adoration of Beowulf because it attributes his deeds to God.

Christianity makes Beowulf’s accomplishments seems small by comparison with those of God.

Christianity makes the poem’s view of Beowulf more objective, as if he were merely obeying God’s orders.

Christianity strengthens the poem’s support of Beowulf because it links his actions to God’s will.

Grendel; Beowulf

his loyalty to Beowulf; his loyalty to Hrothgar

his religious beliefs; the deeds of a pagan Beowulf

the story; the storyteller

If Grendel survives it hints that a future encounter will settle the matter once and for all.

If Grendel survives it implies that Grendel’s mother will be even harder to kill than her son.

If Grendel survives it implies that evil can never be totally destroyed in Beowulf’s world.

If Grendel survives it makes Beowulf’s heroic deeds appear weak and ineffective in hindsight.

Both Grendel and his mother are moved by a deep, primordial evil, but Grendel’s mother’s actions are more justified.

Both Grendel and his mother are moved by a deep resentment of humans, but Grendel’s mother is more human than her son.

Both Grendel and his mother are moved by a strong spiritual belief, but Grendel’s mother is more open to Christianity.

Neither Grendel nor his mother are interested in humanity, but Grendel’s mother actively attacks humans whenever she can.

Beowulf is fearful of the mere, which gives Grendel’s mother the advantage.

Beowulf is fighting outside the human realm, against both a monster and nature itself.

Beowulf is fighting underwater, which calls to mind the swimming competition with Breca.

Beowulf is fighting while he is fatigued, but Grendel’s mother has been resting in the mere.

an image; an evil man

a symbol; Hrothgar

a theme; mortality

a transition; a young hero

Beowulf has come to respect the monsters he fights, and turns his thoughts to peace.

Beowulf has failed so many times that defeating Grendel’s mother gives him newfound confidence.

Beowulf has proved himself enough to become the ruler and king he was fated to be.

Beowulf has proved himself to the Danes and paid the “death-price” that was owed.