Grendel Lesson Plan

How does Grendel see himself in relation to the world around him? What qualities does Grendel value (if any)? What qualities and actions does he hate?

In the first chapter, Grendel demonstrates how angry he is at the world: he hates nature, he hates humans, he hates God, and he hates himself. He rages at the ram for lacking “dignity,” though he also claims not to “fool” himself with “thoughts that [he’s] more noble.” Grendel sneers at nature for being “brainless,” but he doesn’t do much to prove otherwise about himself: despite his flowery language, he mindlessly smashes trees, frightens animals, and yells at the sky.

Students should recognize Grendel’s self-hate along...