What is an important quote that describes the book Grendel?

"Grendel" by John Gardner is an interesting mirror image of the Beowulf saga. In Grendel's own Words "Poor Grendel's had an accident... So may you all," he describes the causality of the universe (that life is random and pointless). When all is said all of Beowulf's fame is due to an accident. Grendel's death is due to the single event that he slips on the blood of one of his victims, and his fall allows Beowulf to wrestle Grendel to the ground (and rip off his arm).

While Grendel (the monster) bases his life in reality, humanity ses the accidents and randomness of confirmation of a higher purpose and the control of humanity over chance events.