In Grendel, by John Gardner, Grendel demonstrates a dynamic change in character throughout the story which allows the reader to experience his thought process and why he choose to commit a variety of crimes. At first, the reader see a side of Grendel that is not present in Beowulf. This side of Grendel displays his intelligent and wise thought process on certain matter. Grendel shows his solipsism in these beginning chapters through his actions and words. He believes that he is the only creature who can make rational decisions depending on different circumstances. Through observing the brute power and brainless activities of different animals, he comes to conclusion that he is in fact alone. Grendel progressively learn that he is not the only
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When Grendel is reborn, his new way of thinking shows through his decision to massacre humans, but when He saw Wealhtheow, he reflects back on his old self. Because of Wealhtheow Grendel wouldn’t “lay a hand on them, prevented as if by a charm. Because of his old and new belief contradicting, Grendel ponders why he can’t be cure. This in between stage demonstrates Grendel conflicting emotions towards belief. The reader can see that Grendel has not fully adopted Nihilism because Grendel states, “I have not committed the ultimate act of nihilism: I have not killed the queen” (Gardner 93). The audience can see clearly Wealhtheow influences Grendel choice of whether or not he decides to murder. As the story progresses, Grendel finally decides to give in to his murderous ways and wage war on Hrothgar. As Grendel grow older and stronger, he becomes a brutal, destructive monster who thinks of killing as a game. With the arrival of Beowulf, Grendel learns that he is able to be defeated and excites him. For example, Grendel made a comment about how Beowulf “was dangerous”, but he “was excited” (Gardner 155). In the beginning of the story, Grendel believe that he was the
When Grendel is reborn, his new way of thinking shows through his decision to massacre humans, but when He saw Wealhtheow, he reflects back on his old self. Because of Wealhtheow Grendel wouldn’t “lay a hand on them, prevented as if by a charm. Because of his old and new belief contradicting, Grendel ponders why he can’t be cure. This in between stage demonstrates Grendel conflicting emotions towards belief. The reader can see that Grendel has not fully adopted Nihilism because Grendel states, “I have not committed the ultimate act of nihilism: I have not killed the queen” (Gardner 93). The audience can see clearly Wealhtheow influences Grendel choice of whether or not he decides to murder. As the story progresses, Grendel finally decides to give in to his murderous ways and wage war on Hrothgar. As Grendel grow older and stronger, he becomes a brutal, destructive monster who thinks of killing as a game. With the arrival of Beowulf, Grendel learns that he is able to be defeated and excites him. For example, Grendel made a comment about how Beowulf “was dangerous”, but he “was excited” (Gardner 155). In the beginning of the story, Grendel believe that he was the