This essay explores the character of Grendel in the epic "Beowulf" as opposed to his character in the novel titled "Grendel."

Lusus Naturae According to www.dictionary.com, a monster is an imaginary or legendary creature [i.e. the boogeyman] having a strange or frightening appearance; an animal, plant or other organism having structural defects or deformities; one who inspires horror or disgust; any thing or person of unnatural or excessive ugliness, deformity, wickedness, or cruelty. Other words that can be used in substitution for the word monster - found on www.thesaurus.com - are …

…things, bring down the night with my howl of rage" (100). Grendel is not, nor ever will be, a member in the human's society, not only because they have shunned him, but because he cannot even make the connection that consequences exist for misdeeds and continues to act only upon angry instinct. Grendel is, and always shall be - independent of the text involved - lusus naturae. Work Cited Gardner, John. Grendel. New York: Vintage Books, 1989.