in a flashback to his early childhood what is grendels relationship with the large shape and his mother

Grendel's relationship with the large shapes is non-existent. The shapes don't acknowledge his presence, they seem to look right through him. Unlike the shapes, Grendel's mother is completely engaged by her son's presence; she truly looks at him and sees all of him, inside and out. The two seem to have an unbreakable bond, but Grendel can feel unsure even with his mother. When he feels a disconnect between them, he throws what we would call a temper tantrum. None-the -less, his mother is quick to calm him and assure him of her love.