Grendel's Change In The Awakening

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As Grendel dies, he whispers the words, “ Poor Grendel’s had an accident, so may you all” (Gardner 174). I believe that this is a blessing because throughout the story, it is clear that he has fundamentally changed. Although he does not like society, he is not wishing death upon them, rather he is wishing “an accident”. Moreover, it seems that Grendel has finally understand his change as death draws near, when he sees “cold, sharp outlines, everything around me: distinct, detached as dead men. I understand” (172). He sees the harshness of reality. Grendel has changed, understanding that his search for whatever meaning there was in the world, was essentially and ironically meaningless. This is because his true role was something else and he

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