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In the epic poem Beowulf, the monster Grendel is depicted as an evil being without human qualities. What evidence is there in this first chapter that the monster Grendel in this novel has emotions and feelings

User DanielQ
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The narrator states in the first chapter that Grendel was “writhing in pain and fury” when he heard the revelry at Heorot Hall. This shows that he was feeling some kind of emotions—whether it be pain or anger or a combination of both—in response to the celebration. Additionally, Grendel's actions during his raid against Heorot demonstrate that he was motivated by emotions: his primary targets are always the warriors at the hall, as if he is seeking revenge for the joy they experience. Other examples include Grendel's “savage howls” as he runs away in terror following the fight with Beowulf, as well as his reaction to Hrothgar's advice – he “felt piercing grief and rage,” showing that he is capable of more than animalistic brutality.

User Flyn San
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