Literary Analysis Of Grendel By John Gardner

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The British novelist Laurence Sterne inscribes how no one can understand the struggles of being torn by two opposing ideals with equal force at the same moment, except one who is in that position or dealing with that problem. Stern asserts that opposing forces plaguing a man can destroy his sanity. In the novel, Grendel by John Gardner, Grendel is the protagonist who deals with two conflicting ideas on how he should live his life. Throughout the novel, Grendel contemplates the meaning of life and seeks to discover the workings of the universe, observing how men interact with each other. One significant observation is one of the Shaper who is a storyteller who creates meaning out of life that Grendel longs for. As the story continues, Grendel …show more content…

The Shaper derives a meaning out of life, which Grendel longs for. The story first mentions the Shaper as a blind man’s arrival at Hrothgar’s hall, the place Grendel spends most of his time stalking. His presence in the hall causes a sense of empowerment and pride in their race to the Hrothgar men. He is able to tell the men a history of their ancestors and bring a sense of harmony to the people. “They would seize the oceans, the farthest stars in Hrothgar’s name! Men wept like children; children sat stunned (43).” As a result of the Shaper’s encouragement, Hrothgar decided to build a hall that may become a symbol of his greatness and accomplishment, which will lead a legacy for his future generations. Not only did the Shaper produce this reaction from Hrothgar, he also converts Grendel to take on the idea that he is a monster, and encourages Hrothgar’s men to feel invincible. Grendel describes his conversion stating that he is a ridiculous creature to …show more content…

The Dragon gives logical advice to Grendel to stay clear of the humans because they bring no benefit to him. He explains to Grendel that he is not a magnificent creature, and that he is replaceable adding “if you withdraw, you’ll instantly be replaced (73).” He encourages Grendel to find a different meaning to life than terrorizing the humans, a purpose, such as finding sorting, and organizing treasures. “Do as I do! Seek out the gold – but not my gold- and guard it (62)”. When Grendel asks the Dragon his thoughts on the Shaper storytelling, the Dragon explains that the Shaper’s words are ridiculous and he provides an illusion of reality (65).”The Dragon counteracts Shaper’s ideals by repeating to Grendel the idea of collecting treasures, which would create a greater meaning and a more satisfied life. In the end the future cannot be changed and eventually everyone will die, “ashes to ashes and slime to slime, amen (73).” That Grendel should utilize the time he has while being alive to make an achievement that he can see, hold, and count. The Dragon advice portrays that irrespective of how Grendel feels upon killing the humans and playing a villain in the spectrum of life this deed is

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