What Are The Similarities Between Grendel And Beowulf

The novel Grendel by John Gardner depicts a significantly different perspective of Grendel than the poem Beowulf. In the novel we meet Grendel, a monstrous creature whose only companion is his mother and who becomes fascinated with the world of men. However he spends his days terrorizing the humans, and being feared by all. The novel which is the retelling of Beowulf, is depicted in the point of view of the monstrous antagonist Grendel. This supports the idea that everybody has a story, which contributes to the character's personality and the way the perception the reader chooses to view in the character.
Gardner humanizes Grendel throughout the novel as a way to show perspective into the monster's life, which in the end leads to the reader's
understanding of Grendel. Grendel has an interest in the concept of the human community, he craves for communication, for belonging, and for an emotional connection to fill the void he feels. His attempts to communicate however are shot down by the humans, his mother and the “dumb” animals around him. His portrayal as the lonely outcast who holds intelligence, thoughts and feelings results in humanlike qualities like emotional outbursts. The oppression he feels from the humans and his voice going unheard has lead to Grendel being forever locked in a one way communication, a continuous monologue that is heard only by the trees. It is because of this that Grendel is merely just living to live, hoping that throughout his life he will find “the best way” to live. In an interview with Gardner, Craig J. Stromme states that Grendel “has no vested interest in any one philosophy, he is searching for the best way to live in the world.”
Much of the novel goes back and forth between what is good and what is evil. Who is truly the hero and who the villain?