Zoie Williams

February 19, 2019

Mrs. McFadden
Annotated outline
Twisted Identities
I. Introductory paragraph(s)
a. The decisions that one makes can ultimately dictate their fate. Now, relate this
back to the decision making in literature between a protagonist and antagonist. It
is noted that the antagonist is a force that operates the protagonist. Typically, the
antagonist is a character, however, it does not have to be. The qualities of the
protagonist and antagonist can become twisted to where the reader is unable to
clearly distinguish the two main characters. Essentially, the protagonist is the hero
who possesses noble and brave traits whereas the antagonist is vindictive and
performs vicious actions. The characteristics of the protagonist and antagonist
play a heavy and direct role in the plot.
A.
a. Key Idea sentence: In the beginning of Grendel, Gardner gives details
about who the main character is and why he does the things he does.
Grendel, the main character is continuously at a loss with the world
and himself. He wants to find his purpose of existing in this universe.
b. Textual evidence: “I stand in the high wind balanced, blackening the
night with my stench, gazing down to the cliffs that fall away to cliffs,
and once again I am aware of my potential: I could die. I cackle with
rage and Suk in breath. “Dark chasms!” I scream from the cliff-edge,
“seize me! Seize me to your foul black bowels and crush my bones!”
(Gardner, 9).
Annotation: Grendel is thinking of jumping off the cliff. He feels that
this would be the only way in which he can confront the reality and
most importantly himself. He wants to find out who he is, he knows
that there is a powerful, scary, and monstrous side to himself, without
being able to determine the extent and the chasm to which it can go.
 c. Textual evidence: “As for myself, I could finish them off in a single
night, pull down the great carved beams and crush them in the mead
hall, along with their mice, their tankards and potatoes - yet I hold
back. I am hardly blind to the absurdity. Form is function.” (Gardner,
91).
Annotation: Grendel as quite observant, analytical, and practical which
I think was due to the dragon’s teachings. The dragon tells Grendel
that the purpose of the Shaper is to spread illusions to the people. This
made Grendel despise the shaper since he is no longer clouded by his
lies.
d. Transitional sentence: His observant side is one of many
characteristics that dictates his fate in the universe.
B.
a. Key Idea sentence: At this point in the book, Grendel discovers his
newfound questioning of his morality when he encountered a female
character. In the same sense, another character is seen presenting
characteristics like idealism.
b. Textual evidence: “It would be meaningless, killing her. As
meaningless as letting her live. It would be, for me, mere pointless
pleasure, an illusion of order for this one frail, foolish flicker-flash in
the long dull fall of eternity.” (Gardner, 110).
Annotation: Grendel’s more diplomatic and somewhat courteous side
can be seen when he is emotionally moved by Wealhtheow presence
among the humans. At first, he decides to follow his barbaric nature
and torment her for fun but then realized.
c. Textual evidence: “has one knee on his heard and is unable to lift
outside him, an element of the wind.” (Gardner, 131).
Annotation: Ork can excellently represent Sagittarius because he is
fully devoted to his pagan religion making him idealistic as well as
optimistic because his religion gives him purpose with that come hope.
 d. Transitional sentence: The sense of morality and idealism advances the
Note: continue this format for the rest of the body paragraphs

plot by implementing hope.

II. Conclusion paragraph(s)
a. The decisions that one makes can ultimately dictate their fate. By relating this
idea back to Grendel, the characteristics between the protagonist and antagonist
have become a dynamic duo. In further explanation, the two have become twisted.
Grendel’s true self comes into light when his life story, as well as his side of the
events that had taken place. The choices that were made throughout the story due
to the pressing traits of the hero and villain were what directed the plot forward.
Work Cited

Gardner, John. Grendel. 1971. New York: Vintage, 1989. Print.