Enter the Dragon
Grendel, ch 4-6 / English IV AP / Mrs. Ramos
HOW ONE INTERPRETS GARDNER’S GRENDEL DEPENDS LARGELY ON HOW ONE INTERPRETS THE DRAGON.
Chapter 4
 How is Grendel’s attitude toward the Shaper changing? (Contrast with ch. 1-3)
 Mark a few places in chapter 4 that foreshadow Grendel’s visit to the dragon. What are the
undertones of this foreshadowing?
 Look carefully at the end of chapter 4. How does Grendel get to the dragon? How could this be a
Biblical allusion? Literary allusion?
Chapter 5
 Characterize the dragon by looking at chapter 5 and deciding on adjectives that capture his
personality. These adjectives will probably vary widely.
 What message does the dragon seem to want to pass on to Grendel?
 What is Grendel’s reaction to the dragon?
 What connections to Beowulf do you see in the dragon episode?
 There are many theories about what the dragon in Grendel really is. Which one is closest to your idea
about him? (Or can there be a combination?)
a real dragon
a dream
an hallucination
a symbol (of what?)
a realization
Grendel’s view of himself
a philosopher
a teacher / counselor
the dragon that kills Beowulf
Satan
Grendel’s alter ego
an oracle
Grendel’s conscience
a “puppet showman” (Plato)
what is outside the ‘cave’ (Plato)
Chapter 6
 What effect does the visit with the dragon have on Grendel? Make some notes that compare /
contrast Grendel’s character in chapter 4 with his character in chapter 6.
 Unferth’s character is more detailed in Grendel than in Beowulf. Trace Gardner’s characterization of
Unferth by marking the text with adjectives that describe him throughout his interaction with
Grendel.
 Why doesn’t Grendel kill Unferth?