Grendel power essay
In the novel Grendel, by John Gardner, the greatness of different sentiments of power are explored by Grendel; opinions on different natures of power such as knowledge and physical power are debated by characters in the story.
Grendel begins his journey for the search of nonpareil power by observing perhaps the most visible and least abstract source of power in the novel--Hrothgar. Hrothgar has three important characteristics that form the basis for a powerful character: he is powerful in a physical manner, the vast expanses of territory under his rule and his (nearly) impeccable military strength. Although Hrothgar is revered for his militaristic values, he is, in essence, powerless. Because we see the events of the story through a less partisan lens, we are able to see that by using these means of power, humans are only tearing apart their own species. Grendel tells us how “no wolves were so vicious to other wolves” (pg. 32) meaning that while the most despicable animals such as wolves work together to work towards a common goal, humans have a tendency to thwart accomplishment of …show more content…
First of all, throughout the entire novel, Grendel tells us that he smells the “Scent of the …show more content…
The power that the Dragon has over Grendel soon wears off when the Shaper dies and Grendel realizes that “One evil deed missed [killing the Shaper] is a loss for all eternity” (pg. 146). This idea of a “loss for all eternity” completely contrasts with the Dragon’s nihilistic philosophy on life, the same very ideas Grendel has been basing his life on. Grendel also states that “Tedium is the worst pain” (pg. 138) meaning that during the time of the Shaper, his life actually did have meaning, but it now has little
In the novel Grendel, by John Gardner, the greatness of different sentiments of power are explored by Grendel; opinions on different natures of power such as knowledge and physical power are debated by characters in the story.
Grendel begins his journey for the search of nonpareil power by observing perhaps the most visible and least abstract source of power in the novel--Hrothgar. Hrothgar has three important characteristics that form the basis for a powerful character: he is powerful in a physical manner, the vast expanses of territory under his rule and his (nearly) impeccable military strength. Although Hrothgar is revered for his militaristic values, he is, in essence, powerless. Because we see the events of the story through a less partisan lens, we are able to see that by using these means of power, humans are only tearing apart their own species. Grendel tells us how “no wolves were so vicious to other wolves” (pg. 32) meaning that while the most despicable animals such as wolves work together to work towards a common goal, humans have a tendency to thwart accomplishment of …show more content…
First of all, throughout the entire novel, Grendel tells us that he smells the “Scent of the …show more content…
The power that the Dragon has over Grendel soon wears off when the Shaper dies and Grendel realizes that “One evil deed missed [killing the Shaper] is a loss for all eternity” (pg. 146). This idea of a “loss for all eternity” completely contrasts with the Dragon’s nihilistic philosophy on life, the same very ideas Grendel has been basing his life on. Grendel also states that “Tedium is the worst pain” (pg. 138) meaning that during the time of the Shaper, his life actually did have meaning, but it now has little