Consider the role of the Dragon in Grendel’s character development. What is the Dragon’s relationship to Grendel? Is the Dragon real or an aspect of Grendel’s consciousness? In what ways are Grendel and the Dragon similar and different?

Teaching Suggestion: To enrich the activity, you might have students work in small groups to fill out Venn diagrams comparing and contrasting the ideas of the Dragon with the ideas of Ork. Then they can discuss how both characters influence Grendel’s thinking, if at all.

Differentiation Suggestion: Provide students with a two-column chart to simplify the Dragon’s philosophy.

Dragon’s Belief / Grendel’s Reaction or Opposing Belief

Art creates an illusion of reality.

Time is an illusion.

Illusion allows humans to believe in religion.

Nature organizes itself.

Nothing has meaning.