Archetypes In Grendel

In the final chapters of the novel, Grendel, by John Gardner, the literary theory of psychological is highly evident. This type of criticism can be broken down to Samuel Freud's perspective according to the mind and Carl Jung's ideology of mythological criticism which has to concern with archetypes in literature.

To begin, the characters of this novel can be analysed by Freud's criteria. For example, the ID is the functional and irrational part of the mind that follows the pleasure principle; these individuals portray a lack of care toward others and selfishness. Furthermore, Grendel best illustrates this role since he presents a lack care for his mother. For instance, Grendel's mother mumbles, "Warovvish" which mean to beware of the fish,

so she suggest for him not to leave the cave due to her intuitions. Unfortunately, Grendel demonstrates his vanity and does not consider his mother's advice. In addition, Grendel demonstrates the character trait of adopting animal behaviour as he exclaims, "'Mama!'I could laugh if it weren't for the pain that makes me howl. And yet I address him, whispering whimpering, whining."(Gardner 170) Next, Freudian symbols are illustrated such as the movement from lightness to darkness. Grendel believed that he was invincible and couldn't not be harmed, but as the story progresses, he doubts this prophecy. Grendel states, "if you win, it's by mindless chance. Make no mistake. First you tricked me, and then I slipped. Accident."(Gardner 171) This exhibits the darkness as he realizes the deceitfulness of the dragon's charm and he is going to cease to exist.
Moreover, the archetypal image of color is incorporated as the events are filled with secrecy and misery.

In fact, the color black creates an environment filled with death, loneliness and hopelessness. The first incident which illustrates darkness is the death of the shaper in chapter 10. "Darkness. At the house of the Shaper, people come and go, solemn face, treading softly, their head bowed and their hands folder for fear" (Gardner 142). Death is a powerful force which signifies gloominess and misery, but the shaper's death was crucial. The role of the shaper was to communicate and share stories. More importantly, these stories were the bases of happiness, harmony and entertainment across the Mead-hall. Even though the shaper was a blind old man that lied to impress the king, he contributed to people's hope and satisfaction. The shaper and his beautiful language of poetry played a crucial role in the mead-hall, but the removal of him creates a sense of insufficiency and loneliness. For example, it is clear that Grendel is a victim of isolation since he never had any friends or was accepted in society. In addition, the archetypal image of the seasons develop the sense of isolation and closure. Spring is a time period where life starts to bloom and nourish, but everything has to come to a complete end before the cycle repeats; this proves that death is inevitable. Similarly, this relates to motif of the zodiac astrology. The author incorporates the 12 constellations and

has 12 chapters; each chapter illustrates scenarios that have to concern with the zodiacs character traits. Unfortunately, Grendel's reign of terror comes to end by the hands of Beowulf, who represents the Pisces. In conlcusion, These archetypal images and symbols help support the theme of isolation throughout the novel.