How we cite our quotes: (Page) Vintage Books, 1989
Quote #4
They all knew what was coming, though nobody believed it. Who can look into the wet-mouthed smiles of children and see a meadhall burning, or listen past their musical prattle to the midnight roar of fire? (120-121)
There's the dragon-type ability to look into the future, and then there's a more everyday kind—you know, when you just happen to be good at reading between the lines. This is the perfect example of that second type of prophecy. Everyone but Hrothgar and Wealtheow can watch the orphan Hrothulf in the meadhall and know what's going to happen to the little boys who should inherit the throne. It may be common sense, but it's also another in a series of predestined moments.
Quote #5
I would be wiser to be curled up, asleep like a bear, in my cave. My heart moves slowly, like freezing water, and I cannot clearly recall the smell of blood. And yet I am restless. I would fall, if I could, through time and space to the dragon. I cannot. (137)
In that dead time before Beowulf arrives at Hart, Grendel feels a change come over him and realizes that there's a lot about himself and the world that he can't control. His body is fighting against the natural rhythms of the season—anything to push against the unthinking and purposeless impulses of nature. But Grendel finds that he can't have it all his own way. He can't make it back to that dark Jedi master who might reaffirm the path of monsterdom he's "chosen" to take.
Quote #6
Afraid or not, I would go to the meadhall, I knew. I toyed, of course, with the ridiculous theory that I'd stay where I was safe, like a sensible beast. "Am I not free?—as free as a bird?" I whispered, leering, maniacal. I have seen—I embody—the vision of the dragon: absolute, final waste. (158)
This is the final fall for Grendel as he makes his way to the meadhall to take on Beowulf. There seems to be a choice for him now, but is there really? He knows the options might be out there, but it's clear that he's compelled to have this meeting. Is it fate? Fate implies purpose, Grendel knows, and that's just not the way of the dragon. Take Beowulf or leave him, Grendel's existence seems to mean nothing.