|
Grendel says:
I saw long ago the whole universe as not-my-mother, and I
glimpsed my place in it, a hole. Yet I exist, I knew.
Then I alone exist, I said. It's me or it. What
glorious recognition! (The cave my cave is a jealous cave.)
(158)
The Book of Deuteronomy (King James Version) says:
Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them:
for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and
fourth generation of them that hate me (5.9)
Grendel says:
The world is my bone-cave, I shall not want (170)
Psalm 23 (King James Version) says:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside
the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff
they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Why is Grendel comparing his cave to the Judeo-Christian God
through these parodies?
See also chained in a cave.
|