Examples Of Existentialism In Grendel

“In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity”. This quote by Erik Erikson gives definition to many, for most the struggle to find themselves is evident. Identity, something that is taken for granted, abused, and withheld from the grasping reach of life. This theme is present within countless compositions of literature. One particular work, Grendel, has a strong representation of life philosophy and the acquisition of the meaning of life. The main character, the descendent of Cain and castaway of society, knows of more strife than the average person and thus forces him to see the world from an existentialist point of view. This point of view forces Grendel to react unbiased

5). The ram displays Grendel feeling helpless and stuck in a repetitive state. He craves independence and wants to lead his own destiny but is held back, “And so begins the twelfth year of my idiotic war”(pg. 5). He fights this war against his origins and his existence. Aries is captivated by characteristics of stress related to attaining satisfaction and self assurance. Grendel displays similar traits throughout the chapter. Such as when he shouts at the sky and when he is with his mother , “ I feel my anger coming back, building up like invisible fire”(pg. 9). He struggles with coming to terms with himself and doesn’t see what he wants, needs to be. He has the insight to recognize the state of neutrality he is in, “So it goes with me day by day and age by age, I tell myself. Locked in the progression of moon and stars”(pg. 8). He comes to the realization that he is stuck in this pattern. That every year is replicated by the previous one before it. He talks about his raids on Hrothgar’s hall and the number of times they have repeatedly rebuilt the door because of his destruction of

Depicted is his first emergence from the cave and the dreamlike state he is in when venturing out into the wilderness, “I lived those years, as do all young things, in a spell”(pg. 16). This childish state he is in brings out complacency and apathy in addition to building his self image and relies heavily on feelings and tends to be more sensitive. Grendel endures several situations where he feel hurt, endangered and calls for his mother to help and assist him but no help comes. Being forced to find his own way causes Grendel to generate some understanding of worldly views, “I understood that the world was nothing: a mechanical chaos, brute enmity on which we stupidly impose our hopes and fears. I understood that, finally and absolutely, I alone exist”(pg. 22). This epiphany is brought on by the second zodiac Taurus represented by the bull who comes to protect the calf Grendel is hunting. Taurus and Grendel are related on the basis of feeling and self security, faith. Again the feeling of self centeredness and reliance is exemplified when Grendel confronts men for the first time. Exception is that his mother does come to his aid on this occasion and when it slides over to the cave his thoughts come to fruition , “ ...the meaningless objectness of the world….the world is a pointless accident...I exist nothing else” (pg. 28). Like a Taurus he is decisive and resolute in regards to