Existentialism In Grendel's Nihilism

A struggle to extract a purpose to life in a hostile and unsympathetic environment raises the question: Is life created, accompanied by intrinsic meaning, or is meaning shaped by what one conceives of his or herself? Grendel was tormented by his inability to discover his purpose and by the hostility of his world. In the environment, the least consciously intelligent of animals are confined and limited by their instinctually bestial obstinacy. Grendel views them as a component of his hostile environment, rather than existing life. The manipulative words of the Shaper both seductively entranced and outraged Grendel as they were a ploy based on partial truth. Although it is not openly apparent if Grendel believes he fulfilled his function in life, …show more content…
Although Grendel devoted his existence to deciphering the reason of his existence, his persistent nature to observe humans and animals can extend the conclusion that he was aware of their necessary and conclusive purpose to his life. Humans had a definitive purpose for Grendel and in reference to his potential capability of wiping them out, he stated, “I could finish them off in a single night, pull down the great carved beams and crush them in the meadhall…yet I hold back. I am hardly blind to the absurdity” (Gardner 91). Although Grendel was capable of effortlessly massacring every human at the meadhall, he denied the opportunity for without humans, Grendel would be unable to uncover his purpose in life whilst destroying their purpose in his life. Aware of nihilism, as conveyed by the dragon, Grendel resisted the idea of participating in nihilistic acts. On a verbal recollection of personal blessings, Grendel declared, “I have not committed the ultimate act of nihilism: I have not killed the queen” (Gardner 93). Grendel reasoned the survival of the queen, Wealtheow, necessary to understand his function in life and abstain from