I just don’t get how other people can’t see it. Well, I think it’s less of a “can’t see” it and more of a “refuse to acknowledge” it. Grendel is the perfect specimen. I don’t know about everyone else, but I knew it as soon as I saw the cover of “Grendel” for the first time a few days before the first day of school. I mean, look at him. Not on a superficial level but past all of the fur and claws and sharp teeth. When you really dig deep, Grendel is just misunderstood. Yes, he eats people, but trust me, if people told you that you were a human-blood-thirsty monster straight from hell repeatedly for millennia, you would turn into him, too.
It speaks volumes that Grendie has an extreme moral dilemma throughout the book with regard to his habits. If you ask me, this small but important display of empathy is a lot more than some people will ever demonstrate in a lifetime. If anything, we should be thanking Grendel for showing all of us that it’s okay to try and defy society’s expectations of us, even if we don’t succeed.
As for the physical aspect, I only have one example to give. Belle fell in love with the Beast, who, by the way, was a complete narcissistic jerk to her, not to mention he held her hostage. She fell in love before she even knew he was once human, but somehow, her borderline beastiality is socially acceptable. But whatever, I guess I’m going to have to get used to these blatant double standards.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that time and time again, people are judging Grendie before they even get the opportunity to really know him. On the inside, he’s just as human as the rest of us, with emotions, thoughts and a conscience. And, if I really think about it, he’s more human than some people I can name off the top of my head (you will never convince me that Grimes wasn’t grown in a petri dish). Personally, I will defend my favorite monster until I turn red in the face. But hey, I guess some people just don’t swing that way.
(This article was for satirical purposes only. If you find yourself harboring an attraction to Grendel, seek professional help. - Naomi B)
[Image via JSTOR Daily]
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