Beowulf by Sameus Haney and Grendel by John Gardner

Beowulf

Theme Words:
- Good vs Evil
- Courage
- Human Nature
- Loyalty
- Identity

Quote 1: "Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked." (Haney 572)
        Beowulf explains that fate will fortune the ones who are brave and have endless courage. It is interesting to see how Beowulf uses this theory through all of his adventures. He knows that as long as he fights with all of his strength then he will die an honorable death and be rewarded in the afterlife.
Connection 1: This idea can be seen in many modern movies such as "The Dark Knight" and "Gladiator". The main hero believes that if you fight for the right cause and with determination, no matter what the outcome, you will be rewarded for your deeds. This can also be seen in modern religions such as Christianity. There is the idea that if yu do good things then good things will be rewarded in the afterlife.

Grendel

Theme Words:
- Identity
- Hate
- Injustice
- Good vs Evil

Quote 1: "An evil idea came over me-so evil it made me shiver as I smiled- and I sidled across to the table." (Gardner 83)
       Throughout the story Grendel is constantly struggling to find out what is right and what is wrong. He continuously switches his opinion on the matter and it shoes the struggle that is inside all of us when making  decisions.
Connection 1: One of the purposes in life is to find out what is is good and what is evil. we try to discover who we are and what our identity is. That is the main internal conflict that grows inside of Grendel in the story. This theme has been used in countless literary works and is a common thought that runs through our minds everyday.