To those who responded to Grendel's final words....

The common thread seems to be an end to Grendel's pain and suffering. How about the "accident" part of it -- was it an accident? Why does Grendel insist that it was? What is he saying about the way the world works with the last line? Is he making excuses for himself and his behavior? Is there any irony in the ending or is Gardner trying to portray a serious truth about the nature of our existence? Explain.