Beowulf and Grendel

                                                                       Self Discovery

                                                                Grendel Quote
        "But deer, like rabbits and bears and even men, can make, concerning my race, no delicate distinctions. That is their happiness: they see all life without observing it. They're buried like crabs in the mud. Accept men, of course." (8)

          Grendel is desperately looking for something in his world to compare himself to. He has nothing that is truly like him, so he simply observes his surroundings and notices things that may help him to distinguish his own identity. He makes the observation that men do not truly understand their what is around them. In fact, he is almost satirical. At this point in the novel, Grendel has begun to realize that the is alone in this world, and that no one will truly understand him and his intentions.

       

           During younger years of my life, I also struggled to find out who I was. I liked to observe those around me, particularly those who made it look like they knew what they were doing, and try and see if I could pinpoint what made them successful and try some of it for myself. I think that this observing was helpful to understand others, but it was my decision to choose my own path that ultimately made me into who I am today.



                                                                   Beowulf Quote
       
             "And a young prince must be prudent like that, giving freely while his father lives so that afterwards in age when the fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line." (20-25"


            At this point in Beowulf, they are talking about how the children of the throne must be intelligent in the way that the communicate so that when it comes time for them to rule, they will be respected. This is the case for Hrothgar as well as Beowulf's king. They both had to make sure that stye were well respected and widely known before they took the crown. This ties back to the theme of reputation, as these heirs need a positive reputation in order to be successful.

                 It is important to have a good reputation in general. IF you are well liked by many people, then your life, in return, will be easier. More friends and less enemies always equals an easier existence. All through my life I have tried to make a good reputation for myself, and I feel that I have been successful. I have been blessed with many friends, and hopefully I have very little enemies. However, a clash of opinions is always going to give one a bad reputation with those whose opinions are opposite of yours. This is a simple fact. Without opinions, life would mean a lot less and feel a lot different.