Journal 6

While Grendel seems simply to be a book about a monster who wreaks havoc in a community, it is much more than that.  It is a parody of the famous philosophies of Gardner’s time. These philosophies are shown through the character Grendel. His beliefs start out seeming like Orphism. Basically, this view sees the world as a cycle. What goes around comes around. For example, each year he sees a ram that comes to the same spot. He begins to realize that each new cycle begins, just like the old one. .

Grendel hears words of beautiful poetry coming from a man called, the Shaper. The Shaper sung about the origins of the Earth and how people were brought together. Grendel found this wonderful and believed every word the Shaper said. He longed to be part of human society. As the shaper continues, he speaks of two brothers, one of whom was cast out. Cain killed Abel and since, it is said that all “monsters” and “demons” are born of Cain. Grendel, of course was one of these monsters said to be born of Cain. He feels bad and tries to repent so he can be allowed into human society; however, he is attacked instead.  At this time, Grendel believes that he exists in the world alone.

After talking to the dragon, Grendel’s outlook on life isn’t as optimistic. The dragon teaches Grendel the importance of material things. “My advice to you, my violent friend, is to seek out gold and sit on it”(74). Opposed to this, he comes to think, as Alfred Whitehead believed, that the world is something that should be understood in terms of processes as opposed to material things. He begins to reject materialism almost completely to be replaced with concepts. Grendel realizes that there are beings that exist other than him; however, he considers them all enemies.

As Wealtheow comes along, we are directed more towards Christianity. Wealtheow symbolizes the server of the cup. She ends up being a symbol of hope and unity, much like religion is. She serves food and drinks as well as talks to all the guests in the mead hall. When there is a fight about to break out, she resolves it. In other words, she is a peace maker. Grendel is absolutely infatuated with Wealtheow. So much so that he tries to take her away from the Danes and kill her. He cannot seem to wrap his head around the fact that a condemned and hateful society can treat a peacemaker like she doesn’t exist.

After going through many different outlooks on the world, Gardner finally settles it. Grendel ends up following the views of John-Paul Sartre. Grendel no longer believes there is any real substance behind political, moral, and religious values. There is no point in doing anything because these tasks and values do not have meaning outside of an individual’s thought, or consciousness.

Throughout the novel, Grendel’s views change dramatically. He starts as a child, still being molded, having no experience in the real world. When he starts making an opinion of the world, it is shaped to be optimistic by many instances. As he becomes more and more experienced, his views become much bleaker. By the end of the novel, Grendels views have nearly taken a volte-face to believe that nothing is important, nor does it have meaning outside of an individual’s consciousness.