The correct answer is D.
In "Beowulf," Grendel is always the villan of the story. He is presented as a man-eating demon, who daily slaughters Danes and feeds on his corpres. He is never anything more than an obstacle for Beowulf to overcome.
On the contraty, in "Grendel," the reader can see different aspects of him. He is presented as an inteligent creature, capable of rational thoughs and emotions.
The story shows Grendel's changes and growth. It explores his relationship with his mother, his fascination with humans -which eventually turns into hatred and disgust-, and provides his point of view about the battle with Beowulf.
The woods might symbolize a place to test your willpower, but it could also symbolize the unexplored or unknown, and the forgotten. I would make this comparison because the forests often are associated with being lost. Also in a society full of technology, it could be easy for a human to disregard the complexity and beauty of nature, causing it to become an unknown, unexplored and a forgotten place. Woods are also a harsh place to live and survive using survival skills thus testing your willpower to survive. Forests are also vast and diverse, making them easy to get lost in.
These are things that I believe the woods symbolize.
cheers!
He is the man Whose wife works so hard.
