English Research Paper - Essay Example

In each chapter of the book Gardner illustrates a different philosophical theory. In an interview John Gardner (1974) said that the purpose of writing this book was “to go through the main ideas of Western Civilization . and go through them in the voice of the monster, with the story already taken care of, with the various philosophical attitudes (though with Sartre in particular), and see what I could do." Grendel is based on Beowulf, a Danish epic, which tells the story of King Hrothgar who is subjected to repeated attacks from the monster Grendel.

For 12 years Grendel wages a guerilla-style war with Hrothgar. The king is unable to ward him off. Finally Beowulf, a stranger comes from the land of the Geats and kills Grendel, as well as Grendels mother and the dragon. Gardner begins his tale from the twelfth year of Grendels battle with the Danes. Grendel in the novel narrates the story of his life as he looks back and reflects on his life. He is drawn by the poetry and beauty of the world of humans, but is unable to escape the monstrousness in him.

As Steven Wu says (2002), “he is both beast and human and despises both his bestiality and humanity with equal bitterness”. When Shaper, a poet whose evocative poetry and music shape the Dane’s views first joins Hrothgars men, Grendel is inspired by his heroic ode to hope. He is inspired to join the human race but he is misunderstood and turned out by the humans. This makes Grendel revert to his belief in nihilism which to him means there is no purpose to existence. He becomes vengeful but continues to be haunted by the Shapers words of hope.

Grendel then meets the dragon and his hopes are dashed further. Grendel again becomes the destroyer. In his journey of life he constantly confronts “meaning”. He sees Hrothgar age and as Grendel repeatedly attacks him, he sees him becoming humble and noble instead of being bitter. Wealtheow, the beautiful young queen withstands with grace her