Grendel, the antagonist in "Beowulf," is portrayed as a lonely, misunderstood creature who seeks meaning and connection in a world that is hostile to him. The author uses a variety of literary devices to develop Grendel's character and to convey his unique perspective. One of the primary ways in which Grendel's perspective is developed is through the use of first-person narration. This narrative technique allows the reader to see the events of the story through Grendel's eyes and to understand his motivations and feelings.
Furthermore, the narrative point of view in John Gardner's "Grendel" is an example of an unreliable narrator. The reader must be careful when interpreting Grendel's thoughts and actions, as his perspective is often skewed by his loneliness and isolation. Gardner also employs literary techniques such as allusion and symbolism to reveal Grendel's innermost thoughts and feelings. For example, Grendel's encounters with the dragon represent his search for meaning and his desire to understand the purpose of his existence. Which statement describes the narrative point of view in Grendel? For example, when he reflects on his relationship with his mother, stating "Mother. My mother dead. She took me to her breast." (Chapter 1). Another example is when he describes his observations of humans, saying "I observe them merging into their elements, becoming simply part of the weather" (Chapter 3).
Overall, the author's use of first-person narration and an unreliable narrator adds depth and complexity to Grendel's character and creates a unique perspective for the reader to explore. Through these literary devices, the reader is able to see Grendel not simply as a monster, but as a complex and tragic figure struggling to find his place in the world.