Final answer:
The line from Beowulf signifies that Grendel is fated to have his last meal of human flesh, which foreshadows his defeat. The themes of fate and the finality suggested by 'last supper' imbue the story with a sense of inexorable destiny and impending change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "fate, that night, intended/Grendel to gnaw the broken bones/Of his last human supper" is a line from the epic poem Beowulf. This line suggests that destiny has decreed that Grendel, the monstrous antagonist of the epic, will have his final meal of human flesh, implying his impending doom at the hands of Beowulf.
The use of vivid imagery in phrases like "gnaw the broken bones" and the idea of a "last human supper" create a powerful picture of Grendel's savagery and the fatalistic approach to events in the story, where the characters often view their lives and choices as being guided by fate.
In literature, fate often plays a pivotal role, especially in epics where characters confront their destinies. The concept of a 'last supper' in this context can be symbolic of the final moments before a significant change or end, enhancing the drama and gravitas of the narrative. The use of such imagery and themes is typical in classical literature to evoke feelings of anticipation and suspense in the reader.