How is Grendel a parody of Beowulf? A parody is a mocking imitation of a work of literature?
Grendel is a parody of the epic poem Beowulf in that it conveys the ideals and concepts of Anglo-Saxon society from a much different light. Unlike Beowulf, Grendel portrays humans as the true evil of the world. Beowulf glorifies the Anglo-Saxon society and its values such as Heroism, Strength, Courage and Trust. Grendel counteracts many of these values and shows the brutality, hostility, and unjust ways of humans. Grendel mocks heroism when he throws apples at Unferth. Hrothulf exploits the mistreatment and unfairness of the governmental system that rules the kingdom. Grendel also mocks the religious aspect of the Anglo-Saxon society where as Beowulf glorifies the customs. Grendel shows or counteracts many of the values held high in Anglo-Saxon society. So, Grendel is the mocking interpretation of Beowulf. Even at the end of the novel the hero Beowulf who is highly glorified is denounced as nothing more than a man who arrives in the kingdom as another plumage of Grendel.
