Grendel the Wicked The balance of evil and good is often spoken of and debated over when it comes to great books of literature and even human nature itself. Should one strive to be good over evil? What is good and evil? The book Grendel by John Gardner brings this to the attention of the reader, contemplating whether Grendel is a truly evil being, an enemy of the people, or a good being, a victim of the people. While the conversation could be debated either way, Grendel’s actions and thoughts presented throughout the book prove for him to be evil by the end of the story. Grendel enjoys watching the Danes fall into despair as he ravages their hall as well as mocking and striping away their pride. Though initially pictured as the villain,
…show more content…
In chapter six, the book brings up Unferth, a proclaimed hero who attempts to stop Grendel. “An evil idea came over me- so evil it made me shiver as I smiled...” states Gardner on page 83. Grendel continues to toss apples at Unferth, defeating him easily while disgracing him in front of all the other Danes. Later in this same chapter, Unferth arrives at Grendel’s cave. Grendel refuses to kill him and Unferth, arriving expecting a noble death to prove his heroism, is offended. By refusing to kill Unferth, Grendel disgraces him, stealing away his ideals of heroism, leaving him prideless. Another viable example takes place in chapter 7, where Grendel breaks into the hall to ruin Wealtheow’s image, taking away her loving and idealized appearance, only for Grendel to relieve himself of her charms. Grendel takes notice of certain people in the kingdom and deprives them of their hope and pride instead of killing them. Thus, Grendel enjoys that they are forced to live without hope, without honor. He doesn’t only kill the Scyldings, but takes away their purpose for living, a wound permanently engraved in their …show more content…
Grendel is evil, heavily due to the Danes making him this way. If Grendel is evil, the Danes are just as much so. They eliminate their neighbors in order to gain wealth and power, as well as destroying anything that opposes them. At first, Grendel attempted communication and decided to not interfere, but, by the end of the novel, he had no intent on this and wished for their death and despair (as proven above). In chapter five, the text states, “From now on I’d stay clear of them. It was one thing to eat one from time to time- that was only natural... but it was another thing to scare them, give them heart attacks, fill their nights with nightmares, just for sport,” (61). At one point he wholeheartedly resolved to avoid frightening them. This all changes, showing a shift from slightly good traits to complete wickedness. He changes his thoughts radically in the next chapter, stating, “Then, little by little, I understood. I felt laughter welling up inside me... I’d meant them no harm, but they’d attack me again, as always. They were crazy,” (78). This single section highlights Grendel’s permanent change into evil, where immediately after he bites a soldier’s head off and begins his night raids for enjoyment. The fear and cruelty of the Scyldings drove Grendel over the edge. Though it is very much their fault, it does not make Grendel any less evil. Wickedness, enjoyment found in others’ suffering, cannot be
In chapter six, the book brings up Unferth, a proclaimed hero who attempts to stop Grendel. “An evil idea came over me- so evil it made me shiver as I smiled...” states Gardner on page 83. Grendel continues to toss apples at Unferth, defeating him easily while disgracing him in front of all the other Danes. Later in this same chapter, Unferth arrives at Grendel’s cave. Grendel refuses to kill him and Unferth, arriving expecting a noble death to prove his heroism, is offended. By refusing to kill Unferth, Grendel disgraces him, stealing away his ideals of heroism, leaving him prideless. Another viable example takes place in chapter 7, where Grendel breaks into the hall to ruin Wealtheow’s image, taking away her loving and idealized appearance, only for Grendel to relieve himself of her charms. Grendel takes notice of certain people in the kingdom and deprives them of their hope and pride instead of killing them. Thus, Grendel enjoys that they are forced to live without hope, without honor. He doesn’t only kill the Scyldings, but takes away their purpose for living, a wound permanently engraved in their …show more content…
Grendel is evil, heavily due to the Danes making him this way. If Grendel is evil, the Danes are just as much so. They eliminate their neighbors in order to gain wealth and power, as well as destroying anything that opposes them. At first, Grendel attempted communication and decided to not interfere, but, by the end of the novel, he had no intent on this and wished for their death and despair (as proven above). In chapter five, the text states, “From now on I’d stay clear of them. It was one thing to eat one from time to time- that was only natural... but it was another thing to scare them, give them heart attacks, fill their nights with nightmares, just for sport,” (61). At one point he wholeheartedly resolved to avoid frightening them. This all changes, showing a shift from slightly good traits to complete wickedness. He changes his thoughts radically in the next chapter, stating, “Then, little by little, I understood. I felt laughter welling up inside me... I’d meant them no harm, but they’d attack me again, as always. They were crazy,” (78). This single section highlights Grendel’s permanent change into evil, where immediately after he bites a soldier’s head off and begins his night raids for enjoyment. The fear and cruelty of the Scyldings drove Grendel over the edge. Though it is very much their fault, it does not make Grendel any less evil. Wickedness, enjoyment found in others’ suffering, cannot be