Throughout the novel, Grendel, Grendel’s language develops as he becomes more familiar and experienced with the outside world. Grendel’s inability to communicate with humans and mother stresses him and makes him feel anguished when finding companionship. In the beginning Grendel’s has a lonely connection with his mother because his mother “sinks into the silence” for having the burden of “ancestral crime” (Gardener 11). Furthermore, Grendel is forced to live in his “putrid stinking hole” by himself. In Grendel, readers see his language developed throughout the novel as he begins to familiarize more with the humans. When Grendel encounters the humans, they misunderstand Grendel’s attempts to reveal his sincerity. This is because Grendel’s vulgar language makes him seem unapproachable and threat-like towards humans. Throughout the novel, readers see Grendel’s language begin to grow as he experiments with the use of lines, verses, and kennings. For example, the author states, “Grendel the truth-teacher, phantasm-tester” (Gardener 110). This quote explains Grendel’s ability to articulate his thoughts through literary elements such as kennings. Kennings were typical literary devices used in Anglo-Saxon literature. In addition readers see that Grendel begins to speak from his consciousness and learns a better method to articulate his thoughts. For example, the author states, “My enemies define themselves (as the dragon said) on me” (Gardener 91). The author displays Grendel’s inner thoughts by placing them inside of parentheses. Moreover, Grendel’s language grows as he develops a better understanding of the outside world when he seeks for companionship.
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