Eric Farnsworth answers “Must students read Beowulf before reading...”

Jill asked this question about Grendel:

Must students read Beowulf before reading Grendel, or can they read the novel without having any context of the poem?

Eric Farnsworth I read Grendel first. I was aware of the Beowulf story, but I had no idea how it went. I have now read Beowulf.
I like Grendel better than Boewulf or a…moreI read Grendel first. I was aware of the Beowulf story, but I had no idea how it went. I have now read Beowulf.
I like Grendel better than Boewulf or any of the other Danes or Geats. They are all nasty brutes that care only for killing and alcohol, and how much gold (or honor?) that will get them.
Grendel is a monster, but he is not only self aware, but he knows the Danes better than they know themselves.
So I recommend reading Grendel first, because it will highlight just how nasty the humans were (and are).(less)

flag

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more