Journal 6- Grendel as Parody

How is Grendel a parody of Beowulf? A parody is a mocking imitation of a work of literature?

Grendel is definitely a parody of Beowulf, in Beowulf we see the heroism of an Anglo-Saxon man, the ways of a community that should be and that has been portrayed in poems and song.  But in Grendel we see the truth, the images not shown, how heroism is just the need of a man to be something more than just a man.  We see the promiscuity of women and even men to other men’s women.  We see how a community supposedly built on just rules, fairness, loyalty, generosity, and familiarity is complete opposite.  Grendel makes fun of that, satirically he reenacts the ways of the Anglo-Saxon community making a mockery of them.  Grendel mocks the heroism or Unferth, as well as the purposes behind every person and thing such as Wealtheow.  In the poem Beowulf we only see the heroism behind the Anglo-Saxon community and how Beowulf, just like defeated Grendel; we never see who Grendel is, why he fights Grendel, or Grendel’s reason for the murders, we only see Beowulf and his sidekicks attacking various monsters proclaiming the ways of a hero.  In Grendel we also see how it makes fun of the language human’s use, we see how Grendel tries to speak like them and he is incoherent until he finally grows up and stops mimicking them and begins forming a more experienced tone of voice; only after he meets the dragon.  This is why Grendel is such a parody of Beowulf.

Journal 5- Grendel as narrator

Why do you think Gardner made the decision to use Grendel as a narrator?  How does Grendel’s status as a monster affect the way he tells the story?

Grendel, the antagonist in the poem Beowulf, becomes the narrator in Grendel.   In Beowulf and Grendel the humans depict Grendel as an evil-being, something demonic, and not from the heavens; but as we see in the book Grendel, Grendel is shown to be kind-hearted and very naive. Most readers would have not even guessed this side of Grendel if it weren’t for the narration being by him in his self titled book; Gardner may have done this one purpose in his book.  Using Grendel as the narrator was a very good move on Gardner’s part, by using Grendel as narrator he let the readers enter a new world; the world in Grendel’s head, Gardner’s choice is one of the best ways to get into character, and get to know a character in a story without having to go through a second party.  Throughout the story-line we see the growth of Grendel as a narrator and monstrous- human, towards the beginning we see his fears and insecurities; the ram, his cries to the sky and animals around the forest.  We also see his reasoning for his random murders, his belief that humans that do not appreciate the life they’ve been given can be given a different alternative as dinner.  We really get to see behind the scenes in Grendel’s life, we get to view his philosophies and life.  We question why Gardner uses Grendel as the narrator and not some other character in the story, but who else can tell the story of Grendel, then Grendel himself.  Nobody but Grendel would know the emotional and psychological parts of Grendel, therefore making Grendel the narrator creates a greater advantage to understanding the story and the reasons. 

Grendel being a monster affects the way he speaks to us greatly; in the beginning we see his inexperience.  He yells and moans words he does not quite understand, he copies the language of the humans not knowing that nobody understands him but himself.  We also see the way he kills and preys on human life, as mentioned in the beginning we know his reasons for his killing sprees and mockeries.  Yet towards the end we see how he spares life instead of taking them all as he did in the beginning, now that he has understanding and has grown as not only a narrator but as a “person” he begins to put thought into his raids.  He kills all those who “pretend” to be heroic yet spares Unferth whose only desire is to be a hero and then we see how much Grendel has grown when he spares Unferth’s life as mockery to the term hero; Grendel now understands Unferth’s true wants and to fool with him more he does not let Unferth when battles, he defeats Unferth mentally as opposed to physically knowing that Unferth just wants the title of hero.  We also see how he spares Wealtheow’s life only because after his pep-talk with the dragon he gains knowledge of the significance people and things have to life and the earth.  He sees Wealtheow as a “creator,” someone who brings life into the world, just as his mother did and chooses to spare her life as well knowing that if he were to end her life he would be ending more than one.  Grendel’s being a monster of course changes the way the book is written, instead of being written in the eyes and mind of a human it is written in the mind of something/someone mimicking a human.  Someone who is trying to adapt to the styles, habits, ways of a human; making the way the story is told and written much different then a reader is intended to know and/or understand. 

Journal 4-

Trace Grendel’s philosophical journey in Gardner’s Grendel using cycle of astrology for clues. End this response by stating Grendel’s evolved philosophy.

Grendel, by Gardner has a very significant journey story that uses astrology throughout to enhance the meaning of each step the character Grendel takes. In chapter one, we see the image of Grendel encountering a meeting with the ram, who is reluctant to move out of his way; making chapter one the chapter based on Aries.  Aries a sign of spring, is symbolically used by the ram and in addition it being the 12^th year of Grendel’s rebellious ways, creates the illusion that spring is arriving.  The symbolism behind the astrological sign of Aries also coincides with the fact that at this point Grendel is still a child, being naïve he makes his way down to observe his human neighbors, the Danes.  In chapter two, we see the image of a bull, which Grendel is attacked by one afternoon.  Grendel admits to being more scared of the bull then he has ever been of any human he has encountered.  The bull is a sign for the astrological sign, Taurus (the bull). Grendel realizes that the bull cannot kill him, even throughout the attack all the bull can do is scratch at him but never kill him, he then sees that it doesn’t even matter, that nothing matters.  He calls for help from anybody and anything he possibly can and stills nobody not even his own mother comes to save him.  In this chapter we begin to notice how he matures, he is now willing to leave his lair and safe ground and begins to venture the forests more and observe humans even closer.  We see this when the humans approach him, he realizes how humans act when approached. Chapter three is based Gemini; in chapter three we see the Shaper who Grendel becomes angry with when hearing his song based on Grendel the monster.  Grendel begins to find obstacles in his way, obstacles that confuse him greatly and make him an angry soul. In chapter four based on the sign, Cancer, Grendel is approached by Hrothgar and his men and is thought to be everything, but who he really is.  Grendel now has a new view of the world.  He now feels as if though he is somehow separated from the outside world.  Little does he know the secret his mother holds is that he and his family are cursed since the times of Cain and Abel.  Chapter five, Leo, Grendel is shown that one way or another everything is connected.  After visiting the dragon Grendel has a new point of view, such as the one the dragon has, existentialism, and is beginning to show signs of nihilism. Grendel now feels as if though he has lost all meaning he ever believed to have.  Virgo is next; chapter six is all about the maturing of Grendel.  Grendel has experienced so many things already from human interaction, to inner conscious thoughts.  At this point we see one of the biggest climaxes in the story where Grendel is tried by Unferth.  Grendel now knowing the meaning and purpose of the human man is playing mind games.  Grendel, now mature is using his traits to overcome those who are meant to defeat him.  Unferth being the ultimate Anglo-Saxon man in the story is being mocked by Grendel every time he decides to spare Unferth’s life.  At this point Grendel is using his knowledge to destroy the purpose of man, and knows that he is thought of as evil.  But he is empowering that view point and using it to his advantage. 

Now half way into the novel we see the astrological sign of Libra in chapter seven.  At this point Grendel is an adult.  Throughout the novel we take a look at Grendel’s language and from the beginning we see how he imitates the humans poor English but after meeting the dragon we see Grendel take a drastic turn in his usage of language.  Grendel shows his complete growth in the next few chapters when we see the way he forms his story.  In this chapter we also see how he has matured and found his purpose when he observes the trading of women as peace offerings, such as Wealtheow, this upsets him very much and he spares the life of Wealtheow or women in general.   Wealtheow represents women in this novel (women are hardly or never mentions in this story) Grendel see’s the purpose of a women as the creator and knows better than to take the life of those who give life.  Wealtheow is also known as the “holy servant of common good;” This shows the reader the purpose behind women, and how sacred they are to the community especially at the time setting in the novel.  Scorpio- Chapter eight, the new son Hrothulf is placed into the plot. Grendel finds a common ground with this new character; such as the befriending of an “adviser” type figure, the Dragon being Grendel’s and Red Horse being Hrothulf.   Another similarity is the views of the world they both have, Grendel feels as if the world is poor and unrighteous as Hrothulf believes the world is corrupt.  In this chapter we also see how Grendel becomes the narrator of the novel; he is the Shaper of his own story.  In chapter nine- Sagittarius Grendel the deer being shot by the hunter, Grendel also meets Ork a priest, Ork sees Grendel as the evil of all evils, Grendel to Ork is the “destroyer” he is now good, and will end the Anglo-Saxon community for good.  Now winter is coming a common symbol used for the sign Capricorn used in chapter ten.  In these final chapters we see how Grendel now believes that everything in this world is lonely and just looking for ways to be or get somewhere.  He now sees even himself as pointless and without any real purpose but to die, he begins to see that the end is near and that he has no reason to do anything anymore. Chapter eleven-Aquarius is where Grendel shows how nihilistic he can be and sees things in the world.   Grendel tells the readers that he believes every man and thing is trying to make a name for himself, or trying to find and make his purpose fulfilled.  We are now coming to a full circle at this point from spring to winter, from Aries to Pisces; Grendel has grown from inexperienced to full matured and even old.  In conclusion of the novel we arrive to chapter 12 which is the final astrological sign- Pisces.  Grendel is now at the end of his journey and he has been through every season and sign he can possibly go through.  Grendel has seen and experienced everything he possibly can, and has finally completed what he began this journey for; His purpose, he now knows and willfully accepts that his purpose was to follow the ways of his ancestors Cain and Abel and accepts that is to sacrifice his own life in the end.  Grendel now knows and believes that everything does have a purpose and exists in its own world, everyone has and shapes their own story.

Journal 3- Grendel's Attitude Toward Language

Grendel’s attitude toward language, how does it change throughout novel?

                Throughout the novel, “Grendel” we see the growth of Grendel through language.  Grendel begins the story very naïve, young, and inexperienced.  The language used by Grendel seems almost re-used as if he was copying off of others around him; he imitates the word usage of the warriors and common people he hears while he creeps among them.  You even see how he uses “vulgar” words as if they were just another part of his day, as if they were a normal word in everyday situations.  His actions are also accountable by his words; he does things not knowing that they are even bad or that they cause harm.  He sees things in one way; everything to him seems purposeless as if nothing and nobody had some kind of reason.  He had no answers and viewed everything in a closed minded way; he found no reason to spare life yet no reason to take it.  But his biggest dilemma was finding his purpose and first he had to understand language and grow himself to figure out the answer.  Grendel has learned his language through the humans, who spoke poorly to begin with but after meeting the dragon Grendel’s voice changes drastically, he now knows a wider range of words and phrases. In the novel Grendel’s language completely changes, it goes from innocent to speaking with more experience.

Journal 2-

Throughout the story you get a taste of what Anglo-Saxon society really is, the details help embody the characteristics portrayed throughout this time period.  From the beginning you hear about warriors, thanes, and kings and their ways of life; these “people” are symbols of the “ideals of Anglo-Saxon society,” A warrior and thane embody what a man is: tough, strong and masculine.  You here throughout the story of the manliness of each warrior, the strong build, and brave heart.  You see their macho points of view: drinking, singing gaily, yelling, being loud, the women and their love for fighting and wars. 

Another characteristic you get is the values that an Anglo-Saxon society was meant to embody; the loyalty, generosity, and friendship.  Yes, in Grendel we expose what these warriors really embody something completely different, but in Beowulf you see the “loyalty and brother-hood” between each warrior.  You also see the loyalty that the Kind brings forth, Hrothgar in this case, shows his leadership and the fact that he is the “man” of the colony; he is the protector of his community.  Every thane and warrior listens to Hrothgar and Hrothgar listens to the higher power overlooking him to such as priests. 

When battle is at hand and times become too rough, Beowulf, our main character comes into play.  He wraps all of these embodiments into one.  He is the head-honcho, the main dynamic character, and the one who embodies- heroism, loyalty, generosity and the main theme of all fame.  He fully takes on the challenge given to him of slaying the “evil” Grendel, he is the only one that will take this challenge on head first and does not take no for an answer.  He shows the reader his heroism, that he is everything an Anglo-Saxon, specifically an Anglo-Saxon man should be. 

Journal 1- Grendel Descriptive Essay

The sin stained, descendant of Cain and Abel- Grendel, a monster who was feared by all, lived in a mere neighboring the Danes.  Everyone in Hrothgars Kingdom knew of Grendel and feared his very existence.  Grendel walked the streets with fiery-filled eyes, releasing his wrath on Hrothgars people: women, children, men, but especially his knights; sparing no life, showing no mercy, destroying everything in his way.  It all began when the monster over heard a group of men discussing through poem what they thought of the monster, but he did not like the things that were being said. Infuriated the monster spent no time plotting against every man that spoke out against him, or even looked as if he would speak against him.  The monster avenged his human friends by killing them, one-by-one, anyone affiliated with King Hrothgar, without a doubt received a visit from the demon.  Who was this monster? God’s hatred, “Sheppard of all evil,” the demon-monster who was out for revenge- Grendel; he was the symbol of evil in every home.  Grendel preyed on those who emitted any joy or any person that he felt threatened by, especially the knights in Herot- the mead hall.  Grendel was almost repulsed by his killings and only murdered by night, his greed and blood thirst drove him to attack again and again, leaving the Herot quiet for 12 years.  Grendel was more than any other monster in a novel, throughout the piece Beowulf by Gardner we see the character of Grendel portrayed as a demon.  This is proven by study of his persona-or character, what other characters felt and thought of him, and his killings in Herot as well as his significance in the battle with Beowulf. 

                The fear towards Grendel was evident throughout the Danes and the story Beowulf; we see the words engraved in everyone’s minds in regards to the monster.  Grendel’s curiosity got the best of him, wanting to know what the humans did after all of their drinking, singing and fighting.  So he took a small trip to the Herot hoping to find the answer to his question.  “So Hrothgar’s men lived happy in his hall till the monster stirred, that demon, that fiend, Grendel, who haunted the moons, the wild marshes, and made this home in a hell, not hell but earth.”  These words show how even before the monster was revealed people feared and spoke of him.  The readers get a brief image of the monstrosity and death Grendel portrays and brings to the table.  They also get a taste of how the Danes feel about him; you see the first-hand feelings others have towards Grendel. As showing in the reading, it is said that Grendel lives in a “Hell.”  Yet they also say that it is a “hell not hell, but earth.”  This means Grendels’ world is a hell all in its own, Grendel ‘s inner-self is living in a hell although he lives on earth his self is bonded to an evil place, more specifically a type of hell such as the one Lucifer resides in.  Within this piece the readers see what everyone in Hrothgars kingdom sees and feels towards Grendel.  There are several words that blatantly show how Grendel is portrayed in the eyes of the everyday human. 

                The reason behind the story, Beowulf by Gardner- is the killings in Herot.  This one reason made the story Beowulf what is made up to be; Grendel was mercy-less, killing everyone and destroying everything in his way whether it be: women, children, or men.  We see this specifically in one part of the story when the men, tired from a long day always ended with drinks, song and laughter, all of the fun dying down.  Laying their heads down, little did they know this was just the beginning of their long battles.  All of the worries flooded by the beverages, the darkness taking over their dreams as Grendel prepared to take much more.  “He found them sprawled in sleep, suspecting nothing, their dreams undisturbed.  The monsters thoughts were as quick as his greed or his claws: He slipped through the door and there in silence snatched up thirty men, smashed them…”  For 12 years Grendel tortures the men in Herot and the kingdom of the Danes.  Torturing and murdering Hrothgars men night after night, with no reason but hunger and lust, Grendel slaughtered the only people who could maybe defeat the monster.  In his killings we see how malicious Grendel could be, creeping as if though imitating a trained robber, searching through men’s dreams, his only desire was to destroy and be evil.  The whole story of Beowulf, is based on Grendel’s actions and his reason, it completely revolves around those two things.  Grendel was considered to be a mass-murder, with no love in his heart and death inscribed in his mind.  He instilled fear in every person he crossed whether it was in person or through conscious. 

                Beowulf was the strongest of the men and the only man willing and able to fight Grendel.  Along with his army, Beowulf cam prepared, little did they know what their opponent would bring to the table.  Not expecting they must fight with their hands without notice, the Geat’s have found their match.  “Their points could not hurt him    ; the sharpest and hardest iron could not scratch at his skin, for that sin-stained demon had bewitched all men’s weapons, laid spells that blunted every mortal man’s blade.  In the battle with Beowulf we see how much of an obstacle Grendel was for the Geats.  It is proven that Grendel is a “demon,” type monster almost devilish in his ways.  The narrator even calls Grendel, “sin-stained and the elixir he puts on the swords.  The army of Geats and Beowulf were not prepared to fight such a monster and in the end it was just Beowulf versus Grendel.  Throughout the battle we see a lot of symbols, Grendel is seen as a demon to others, and he is also seen as being “the devil.” Being a descendant of Cain makes Grendel a larger target for being thought of as evil, or “the evil one.”  He is feared by all and considered the biggest obstacle.  Yet again we see how others feel about Grendel.  The fear people have for this monster surpasses the fear for death itself. 

The cursed beast, “guardian of crime,” symbolism of: evil, death, enemy, and the “devil” are all words Gardner uses to describe Grendel in Beowulf.  Gardner wanted the readers to get a clear image of the impersonation of Grendel, he giving us: a broad range of words that described the character of Grendel, his actions, and his reasons.  Throughout the novel we are given so much imagery and symbolism so that we can understand the character of Grendel in depth, and have no questions of who he is and why he is the way he is by the end of the story.