Boast

Second Riddle

I am an instrument that initiates flight

My technique is by intense impact

My domain excludes those especially earth-bound or elevated

And I am prominent in both pasture and asphalt seas

Journal 10

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

      By choosing to tell the story from Grendel’s perspective, Gardner is able to address certain issues in a way he wouldn’t be able to otherwise address with any other characters from Beowulf. Grendel is a monster.  Therefore, Grendel is mostly isolated from the outside world. This makes it possible to tackle subjects like language, art, and religion from the perspective of an intelligent outsider that can be fascinated with people. For example, when it comes to language Grendel is unable to communicate with anybody, and despite being able to understand the Danes, Grendel is still unable to communicate with them. Later on, when Grendel becomes more fascinated with language, it is reflected in the way Grendel’s narrative changes and in his relationship with the sharper, showing language’s influence on the way Grendel thinks.

Journal 9

The most important bond in Anglo-Saxon society was that between a lord and his retainers. How do “The Seafarer” and “The Wife’s Lament” reveal the Anglo-Saxon idea of loyalty and the tragedy of separation from one’s lord?

      The most defining characteristic of “The Seafarer” and “The Wife’s Lament” is the sense of suffering due to isolation. In both poems, the characters face conditions where they are forced to endure solitude and sparation from fellow villagers. Both characters seem to have spent their youth in their kingdoms. In the Seafarer, the poem directly adresses the Seafarer's youth living in the kingdom. On the other hand, it seems that the reader is to assume that the wife in the Wife's Lament had spent most of her life in her kingdom. The reason this is significant is because Anglo-Saxons valued socialization greatly, and the characters' situations persent in the story strongly contrast their past in the kingdoms. This longing present in both pomes reflects how the Anglo-Saxons valued loyalty to their community and to their lord. While the situations aren’t directly influenced by their connection with the character’s lords, both characters do openly talk about longing for human interaction, making both stories solemn tragedies that include the misfortune of parting from the one’s kingdom.

Journal 8

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

Artistic dipiction of Grendel



      John Gardner’s Grendel is in many ways a tribute to Beowulf. However, because of John Gardner’s strong Christian values, Grendel is also partially a parody of Beowulf in the sense that he uses the story to criticize nihilism and existentialism. In Grendel, we see the conflicts between religion and existentialism at a few points. When Grendel initially begins listening to the sharper, he is attracted to his poems about religion. Unfortunately, when the sharper says that beings descendant of Cain such as Grendel are evil, Grendel is conflicted about religion and decides to turn to his self fabricated dragon, embracing the dragon’s philosophical existentialist views. By letting the reader watch Grendel after taking up this new ideology, Gardner is able to show the reader the pitfalls of this way of thinking. This is particularly true later on when Grendel has to face Beowulf and Beowulf poetically preaches to Grendel about rebirth during their battle, dazing Grendel and giving Beowulf a strong upper hand in the battle.

Journal 7

Certain motifs, or recurring ideas, such as jouney, exile, and fate, appear frequently in many Anglo-Saxon works. What recurrent motifs have you found in the three works?

      From what remains of Anglo-Saxon literature, modern people can see many connections between these ancient works. The “The Seafarer” relates easily to “Beowulf” due to the significance of the seas and the characters’ magnetism toward action which are present in both works. While the seas play a more pivotal role in “The Seafarer”, they are significant in Beowulf as well, particularly for providing Beowulf with his background in fighting monsters. As revealed through the text, Beowulf braved storming seas, swimming for days and he was forced to fight off gigantic sea monsters in order to survive. This very directly relates to the trials the seafarer faced out at sea, traveling through harsh weather and raging tides. However, despite laboring out in the sea, both, both characters seek more action, Beowulf fighting more monsters and the seafarer venturing out to sea again. “The Wife’s Lament” is very closely related to “The Seafarer” because of the focus on suffering and isolation in both works. While the wife in “The Wife’s Lament” was exiled and suffered the absence of her husband, the seafarer had to endure the merciless seas and extreme loneliness. “The Seafarer”, “Beowulf”, and “The Wife’s Lament” vary a lot are ultimately all very serious and solemn throughout.

Journal 6

  Trace Grendel’s philosophical journey in Gardner’s Grendel using the cycle of astrology for clues. End this response by stating Grendel’s evolved philosophy. In other words, what is Grendel’s philosophy at the end of his narrative?

     In John Gardner’s Beowulf, Gardner assigns one astrological zodiac sign to each chapter. Gardener parallels the progression of the year and the behavior of the characters with traits of corresponding zodiac signs and references the chapters’ zodiac signs at least once each. The signs are particularly important for understanding the main character, Grendel, because his general philosophy on how to behave changes dramatically with progression of the story and the signs are often indicative of . However, the book does not revolve around this zodiac motif, this theme more present in some parts of the book more than others.

      The zodiac signs that represent the first couple chapters are Aries and Taurus. These symbols appear during the spring, which is symbolic of growth and youth, and were used by Gardner to emphasize Grendel’s early development. Aires is associated with intolerance, impatience, and ambition which are all defining qualities of Grendel when he is introduced. Chapter 2 builds up on the theme of growth by showing Grendel’s first experience in the human world. Taurus, the sign that represent’s chapter 2, is characterized by dependability, protectiveness, and persistence, which are all traits that are reflected in both the relationship between the bull and its young and the relationship between Grendel and his mother.

     The chapters that lead into summer show Grendel as he develops further, focusing more on change. The third chapter shows Grendel as begins his relationship with poetry, overlapping with the sign of Gemini which is related to an affiliation with literature and intelligence. Gemini is also symbolic for internal conflict, like the conflict Grendel deals with by acknowledging his vulnerability to poetry. Chapter 4 shows Grendel continuing to observe poetry and reacting strongly when the sharper mention’s Grendel’s evil nature as a descendant of Cain. This corresponds to the sign Cancer, which is related to sensitivity and moodiness. Grendel meets the dragon in chapter 5, who displays traits of Leo like flamboyance, pride, and charisma. The dragon had a profound influence on Grendel, convincing Grendel to terrorize the village and giving Grendel a confidence boost through his apparent charm.

     Fall comes and the seasons as well as the zodiac signs reflect maturity. Chapter 6 is represented by Virgo, with Grendel beginning his war on Hrothgar’s Kingdom and Unferth being introduced in the chapter. Virgo represents logical thinking and being overcritical, both traits which appear in this chapter. Once Grendel notices his charm, Grendel decides that it is his job to terrorize the town based on his conversation with the dragon. He takes particular interest in Unferth, who is a self proclaimed hero who intends to kill Grendel and save the village. Grendel reacts by cruelly criticizing Unferth and trying to convince him that his heroic efforts are in vain. Chapter 7 introduces Weatheow, who personifies the chapter’s zodiac sign, Libra. Wealtheow is graceful, and does her best to maintain peace, especially when she marries Hrothgar to prevent war between him and Hygmod. Chapter 8 is represented by Scorpio and features Hrothulf who characterizes Scorpio’s traits of truthfulness with his attitude toward government and mysteriousness.

       The story’s final chapters take place during the winter. Chapter 9 expands on Grendel’s psychological profile, being represented by both philosophical and religious thinking. Grendel meets a priest that believes Grendel to be a deity named “the great destroyer” and he discusses his philosophical views to Grendel. Next chapter is represented by Capricorn and has Grendel watching the village sharper die of some illness. The next chapter features Aquarius, the water bearer. Water has a strong presence in this chapter, with Beowulf arriving by sea and Wealtheow pouring mead for everyone when the Geats arrive. Also, Grendel is really tense in the chapter, and this is fitting because Aquarius is symbolic of anxiety. The book ends with Pieces, which features Grendel’s defeat at the hand of Beowulf.  Pieces symbolizes sensitivity and sympathy, which is apparent during the fight between Grendel and Beowulf, when Beowulf gains the upper hand on Grendel and Grendel’s main reaction is to try feebly to escape.

Riddle 1

I am the motivation that wakes zombies

My presence is strongest at sunrise and sundown

I come burning hot and freezing cold

Nevertheless, that is how I am wanted

Journal 5

Grendel Character Analysis

 

       In Grendel by John Gardner, the character Grendel from the ancient Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf is given an immensely deeper character profile that portrays him in a complex manner, both justifying his raiding of villages and highlighting his disgusting nature. The book is partially a new story, but is mainly intended to shed light on both Grendel and the kingdom he torments. The book accomplishes this through giving Grendel a background, showing his perspective on Hrothgar’s kingdom, and shedding light on many other aspects of Beowulf.   

      Grendel’s actions prior to the arrival of Beowulf reveal a lot about the character the reader may not have considered previously. When the story shows Grendel as he first encounters man, he is curious and studies them with the intention of nonviolent interaction with them. However, Grendel is sensitive to criticism. When he is rejected by man, Grendel is left lonely, frustrated, and confused. This is apparent in the scene where he hears a scop mention that beings descendant from Cain are evil.

     In time he turns to a dragon for wisdom. Following his conversation, he embraces his evil nature and begins to relentlessly torment the village as he does in Beowulf. He does so through regularly raiding the mead hall and murdering people in the woods. Grendel particularly torments the hero Unferth for his gallantry in repeatedly trying to kill Grendel, always unsuccessful due to a dragon’s charm that left Grendel almost invincible.

    Other aspects of the epic also factor into understanding Grendel. The cave Grendel lives in is given a lonely, dark, disgusting feel, covered with rotting flesh and lined with cold stone walls. This is in stark contrast to Hrothgar’s village, which is filled with somewhat cheery people when it is introduced. Additionally, in contrast to the optimistic feel earlier in the story, the feel of the village changes to edgy with the repeated attacks from Grendel. The forest is also an important part of understanding Grendel. The forest has an isolated, hazardous feel with no one for Grendel to relate to.

    With all of this in mind, the reader get’s a much better understanding of (Gardner’s) Grendel. We see that he is sensitive, clever, curious, and lonely. This way, it is easier to relate to Grendel than in “Beowulf”. However, he is also shown as more menacing, naive, cynical, and pessimistic, which makes him still very unattractive. Likewise, the reader can be able to determine things that Grendel may symbolize. In respect to how he constantly raided Hrothgar’s village, Grendel behaves as an ever present, looming danger. This would have been very relevant to Anglo-Saxons because he would be like the risk of an enemy kingdom’s attack. He also seems to symbolize attachment from society, especially because he is unable to communicate anyone for the most part.

Journal 4

  Epic poetry usually embodies the attitudes and ideals of an entire culture. What values of Anglo-Saxon society does Beowulf reveal? What universal themes does it also reveal? Use specific examples from the poem to support your answer.

   In Beowulf, we can see the way heroes were renowned for their deeds within Anglo-Saxon society. As Beowulf defeats Grendel and Grendel’s mother, he is not only rewarded with immense fortune, but he also gets the satisfaction with being recognized as a hero within Hrothgar’s village. With this recognition, he inherits the role of hero in stories that would be told in mead halls for generations to come. This is significant to Anglo-Saxon cultures because having bards recite the tales of heroes had been a long standing tradition amongst these communities. Correspondingly, in Beowulf we can see how Anglo-Saxons were willing to face death for recognition as a hero. Through Beowulf, we can also see the Anglo-Saxons’ feelings on loyalty. This theme appears when Wiglaf stands up against the dragon with Beowulf after preaching about Beowulf to the other warriors who ran away.

Journal 3

What is Grendel’s attitude toward language? How does it change throughout the novel?

   Language plays a major role in Grendel, both in relation to art and to communication. When Grendel first meets the Danes, Grendel realizes that he and they share the same language. However, when Grendel speaks, the words come out garbled and distorted, and as a result, language is an obstacle that keeps the Danes from communicating with Grendel. However, when Grendel is introduced to poetry, his understanding of language changes profoundly and he begins to appreciate language. This is evident when Grendel takes a special interest in the village sharper and his narrative gradually transitions from sounding somewhat primitive to resembling advanced literature.

    When Grendel starts appreciating language, it is still a disadvantage to him and even leads to his downfall. We first see it as a weakness when he is distraught when the sharper’s poetry focuses on religion. Grendel’s conflicting feelings about language and poetry lead him to have his “conversation” with the dragon and leads to his decision to terrorize the Danes. Once his antics attract the attention of Beowulf, language is what kills him during his battle with Beowulf. Once Beowulf begins to whisper to Grendel, Grendel loses what little control he has and fails to break out of Beowulf’s grasp.

Journal 2

Beowulf is the archetype of the dragon slayer, the hero who faces death in order to save a threatened community. Does Beowulf remind you of any heroes in real life, in fiction, or in the movies today? What characteristics do the heroes share?

     Beowulf’s task of having to confront a dragon is similar to that of firemen. Firemen rush into burning buildings and risk their lives to protect the lives of their fellow community members. The most defining parallel between Beowulf and the average fireman is that they both risk their lives to save the lives of their peers. While firemen and Beowulf are at different ends of the social ladder, their intentions in facing these “dragons” are equally noble. The two heroes are also similar for having to resist fire to accomplish their tasks. Both in mythological and real conflicts, fire has proven to be an enduring, unpredictable force capable of easily overwhelming its victims.

Beowulf Journal 1

Beowulf is a story about a hero from the misty reaches of the British past, a hero who faces violence, horror, and even death to save a people in mortal danger. The epic’s events took place many centuries ago, but this story still speaks to people today, perhaps because so many of us are in need of a rescuer, a hero. Take a moment to write about a contemporary hero, real or fictional, and the challenges he or she faces. Describe your hero, and then briefly analyze him or her using these questions:

1. What sort of evil or oppression does your hero confront?


2. Why does he or she confront evil? What’s the motivation?

3. For whom does your hero confront evil?

4. What virtues does your hero represent?

          The hero I chose was the fictional espionage special operative codenamed Solid Snake, of the Metal Gear franchise. Snake is hired by numerous secret organizations to take out organized terrorists. His job often complicated because his foes tend to acquire various different weapons of mass destruction, usually giant mechanical structures known as “Metal Gears”. Metal Gears vary in design but usually resemble walking tanks and capable of amazing feats. In one instance, the organization Foxhound convinced an engineer to design a Metal Gear with a rail gun capable of launching nuclear missiles to any location on Earth. Because his missions tend to have unusual circumstances and the facilities he must infiltrate are heavily guarded, Snake is usually forced to begin his missions alone and minimally equipped, not even given any firearms. However, Snake is remarkably intellectual always manages to collect weapons or tools he needs to accomplish his task. Because of his reliability and determination, to me, Snake represents strong commitment to duty.

           Snake’s background has always been shrouded in mystery. However, it has been revealed that Snake is a clone of another mercenary codenamed Big Boss, and that he was genetically altered so that he would receive all of Boss’s recessive genes. Part of his creation through gene therapy has left him with an urge to struggle on the battlefield. Also, Snake is indifferent when it comes to taking lives. However, he is also motivated to minimize casualties and to preserve life in general since he recognizes that most fighting is a result of conflicts of interest.