Question

which statements accurately contrast beowulf and grendel? select 2 options

both works are written in an old english poetic style.
beowulf characterizes grendel as bloodthirsty, but grendel shows grendels gentler side.
beowulf is sympathetic to the humans, while grendel shows the monsters perspective.
both works focus primarily on the hero, beowulf.
beowulf is a contemporary version of an old tale, while grendel is based on oral tradition.

Explanation:

Analyze the literary differences between the epic Beowulf and John Gardner's novel Grendel

• Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that depicts Grendel as a ruthless, bloodthirsty monster and is highly sympathetic to the human characters (the Danes and Geats).
• Grendel is a modern novel by John Gardner written from the monster's perspective, humanizing Grendel and showing his gentler, more philosophical, and lonely side.

Evaluate the given statements

• Statement 1: "Both works are written in an Old English poetic style." (Incorrect: Grendel is a modern prose novel).
• Statement 2: "Beowulf characterizes Grendel as bloodthirsty, but Grendel shows Grendel's gentler side." (Correct: This accurately contrasts the characterization of Grendel in both works).
• Statement 3: "Beowulf is sympathetic to the humans, while Grendel shows the monster's perspective." (Correct: This accurately contrasts the narrative points of view and sympathies).
• Statement 4: "Both works focus primarily on the hero, Beowulf." (Incorrect: Grendel focuses primarily on Grendel).
• Statement 5: "Beowulf is a contemporary version of an old tale, while Grendel is based on oral tradition." (Incorrect: Beowulf is the ancient work based on oral tradition, while Grendel is the contemporary adaptation).

Answer:

• Both works are written in an Old English poetic style.
• Beowulf characterizes Grendel as bloodthirsty, but Grendel shows Grendel's gentler side. (Correct answer)
• Beowulf is sympathetic to the humans, while Grendel shows the monster's perspective. (Correct answer)
• Both works focus primarily on the hero, Beowulf.
• Beowulf is a contemporary version of an old tale, while Grendel is based on oral tradition.