Afternoon of Alterity - Nazareth College

threatened by the very existence of Grendel. The attitudes and songsof the humans are what cause Grendel to question his existence. Thehumans convince Grendel into believing that he is not worthy of anidentity. Grendel retaliates against the men as retribution for the waythat they treated him.When night descended he went to seek out the highhouse, to see how the Ring-Danes has bedded downafter their beer-drinking. He found therein a troop ofnobles asleep after the feast; they knew no sorrow orhuman misery. The unholy creature, grim andravenous, was ready at once, ruthless and cruel, andhe took from their rest thirty thanes; thence he wentrejoicing in his booty, back to his home, to seek outhis abode with his fill of slaughter. (Luizza115-125)Grendel tries to gain an identity through committing violent actsagainst the humans. Through murderous acts, Grendel is able tostrip the humans of their identity. He is not welcomed within theirphysical space; the men have left Grendel with no other choice butto destroy Heorot.Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is another medieval text thatexamines the existence of physical space. Space dictates the rulesof the game. The rules constantly change which suggests an identitycrisis. Sir Gawain experiences confusion from the constant changingof the rules; he is not sure who he is supposed to be. In the physicalspace of the castle Sir Gawain’s identity is clear. He knows wherehe belongs and what makes up his existence as a member of KingArthur’s court.This was kynges countenaunce where he in court were,At uch farand fest among his fre meny in halle. Thereforelaura lucyshyn 147