Connector

Several scenes in Grendel reflect real world situations. In some scenarios, Grendel interactions with other characters are no different than that of us with friends or family members. This is most easily seen in chapter seven when Grendel stumbles upon a dragon guarding a large pile of gold and gems. The dragon proceeds to give Grendel advice and discuss the habits of, not only Grendel himself, but also the humans. The dragon very clearly views himself as wiser and superior to humans and Grendel. Let’s face it, we all have that one classmate who thinks he knows absolutely everything and is not afraid to let us inferior students know about it. The dragon reminds me of a know-it-all student, or maybe even an older sibling- someone who has been praised for knowing so much that they assume they know everything.
I read somewhere Grendel is supposed to be a descendant of Cain (from the book of Genesis). I do not know what you have to mix in down that line to get whatever Grendel is supposed to be, but I don’t think I want to know. The theory that Grendel is a descendant of Cain makes a lot of sense. I feel that in a lot of way Grendel represents several things that are wrong with the world and with society. The selfishness and the “every man for himself” mentality are factor notorious for getting people in trouble even today.
Grendel’s mother reminds me of a drug-addicted parent. She is unable to be there very much for her son, but she obviously still cares and comes running whenever he needs her most.