Sample Blog entries

The monster Grendel appears in the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf. Though its author is unknown, Beowulf is thought to have been composed between 700 and 1000 AD. Beowful probably began in the oral tradition and was only written down later. The saga mainly revolves around a brave warrior named Beowulf who travels to a distant land to battle the monster Grendel. The description of Grendel in the poem is rather vague; Grendel is described as vaguely human but very large and with extraordinary strength. In general, Grendel is mostly described as “terrible to look at.” Other warriors have had a very difficult time injuring Grendel in battle–Grendel’s skin in thought to be very tough and resistant to weapons. Grendel wreaks havoc on the Anglo-Saxon community by invading their mead hall, killing Anglo-Saxons and then eating them. Grendel is descended from Cain, the first murderer. Interestingly, the word most often used to describe Grendel is ambiguous and is alternately translated as “monster” and “fighter.”

As a monster, Grendel is representative of many different concepts we have discussed in this class. First Grendel is extremely aggressive. Grendel expresses his aggression violently by killing and eating his enemies. The motivation for this crime is left unstated in the poem–but these attacks often seem to be unprovoked and just violence for the sake of violence. Also, Grendel is described as being terrible to look upon–this monstrous appearance sets Grendel apart from the human characters. Grendel’s appearance is not all that establishes him as separate from the Anglo-Saxons (i.e. a member of the out group). As a descendent of Cain, Grendel is marked as a murderer by association. Calling someone a son of Cain implies that being a murderer or monster is somehow heritable and can be passed down through the generations. Thus, being a monster is somehow an internal trait (like personality) that cannot be changed; monsters are born not made. Grendel is a monster because he looks like a monster, is descended from a monster and because he is violent. All of these different attributes make it clear that Grendel (and all the other monsters in Beowulf) is different from the Anglo-Saxons.

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Lord Voldemort is the primary antagonist or villain in the Harry Potter movies. He was extremely powerful for two periods in the history of the books. His first period of prominence ended 11 years before the main action of the books begins; his second period of prominence begins in the 4th book. When Lord Voldemort is in power his reign is marked by general terror (in both the wizarding and the muggle, non-magical, community). Voldemort kills his enemies and those who have questionable wizarding ancestry. Voldemort also has no friends; the few people who Voldemort actually is close to are also not safe from his wrath and whims. In the novel, Voldemort’s description changes. When he is young he is described as an attractive and charming man. As he ages and gains power (and kills more people) his appearance also changes; his appearance becomes snake-like, pale and with long spider-like fingers. Throughout the course the series Voldemort kills countless numbers of people and attempts to kill Harry Potter many, many, many times.

Lord Voldemort is an interesting example of a monster because his history is explored and the reader can actually watch his transformation from bad little kid to horrible evil monster. Unlike some monsters (Grendel) Voldemort is clearly portrayed as having a choice. Acting aggressively, and revelling in the destruction, is a clear choice made my Voldemort that is contrasted with Harry’s choice to be good and fight evil. Voldemort, while stigmatized by some “good” wizards, generally creates an in-group at which he is the center. Voldemort then demonizes and stigmatizes other witches and wizards (namely those that are muggle born). Voldemort then using his power and influence to kill and harm members of those stigmatized groups. Interestingly, as Voldemort becomes more and more evil he looks less and less human. While Voldemort is punishing stigmatized groups, his own appearance sets him more and more against and apart from other human beings. This suggests that his own evil has set him apart from most of the witches and wizards in the novels.  Much like other monsters, Voldemort enjoys violence and aggression. He has no qualms about killing the elderly, children, unarmed people or anyone at all. Similarly, Voldemort displays many personality traits that are indicative of evil and monsters. Dumbledore (an old enemy of Voldemort’s and protagonist) notes that Voldemort is incapable of love and remorse. Throughout the course of the series it becomes clear that Voldemort is narcissistic, sadistic, and a sociopath. Together, Voldemort’s appearance, persecution of vulnerable groups, horrible aggression and personality traits paint the portrait of a true monster.