|
|
Post by naomiporter on Sept 2, 2013 4:31:56 GMT
Grendel often changes his mind
for, he claims, no reason. He insists multiple times that nothing has meaning.
It seems, however, that when he changes his mind, it is always to the kinder
option. One example is when he firmly commits himself to violently murdering
the innocent queen, saying “I would kill her and teach them reality” (Gardner 110), but
a second later he says “I changed my mind. It would be meaningless, killing
her. As meaningless as letting her live. It would be, for me, mere pointless
pleasure” (110) He wants to prove to the men and to himself that there is no meaning in anything, but
realizing that both options are meaningless, he opts for the less violent one
even though it denies him pleasure.
Does this imply that, contrary to
his claims, Grendel finds meaning and value in life? Are his changes really
arbitrary, or are they driven by something—perhaps a regard for life that he does not
acknowledge?
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Sept 4, 2013 4:44:00 GMT
I'll respond to this by providing what I found to be one of the most interesting passages in the novel. Although the passage does not refer specifically to Grendel's thought-process as he chooses to either end or escalate violence, it provides the human correspondence to this decision.
Although Grendel does not pass judgment on the humans as he observes their behavior, his description of the course of events makes an important point. Some humans sympathize with the ox, weeping over its gloomy eyes. On the other hand, the sadistic tendencies of man cause some individuals to "fill [the ox] with arrows and leave it to the wolves." This behavior subsequently leads to the demise and torture of the horse that must follow the men to the ox. The theme that emerges in this passage is simple: destruction breeds destruction. The torture of the ox leads to the torture of the horse.
This theme, in some ways, can explain Grendel's thought-process. While he often strives to create destruction, he also yearns to take full credit for the destruction that ensues. That said, Grendel is more comfortable stopping at a certain point in his violence. He can produce enough violence to destroy, but not so much so that the situation worsens beyond his control (and, therefore, his credit). Thus, while his decisions may seem kind on the outside, I would argue that he has more vain intentions in mind.
|
|
shanejohnson
New Member
"Kindness is the only investment that never fails." - Thoreau
Posts: 15 
|
Post by shanejohnson on Sept 4, 2013 9:09:22 GMT
I noted a quality within Grendel to sympathize with others. Keeping in mind the entire narration is supplied through the lens of Grendel's own thoughts, I found the references or descriptors Grendel "chooses" to use interesting. Using Chris's above quote as an example, I thought it interesting Grendel notes the horse stands "as if waiting for death." Has anyone else seen elements of Grendel's narration as alluding to his own view of the world, or am I perhaps contributing too much of my own interpretation to the words on the page?
|
|
shanejohnson
New Member
"Kindness is the only investment that never fails." - Thoreau
Posts: 15
|
Post by shanejohnson on Sept 4, 2013 10:15:52 GMT
To further connect my comment to Naomi's initial ideas, I would note I have observed a difference between Grendel's observations of the world and his actions within it. His narration and opinions seem to be more heavily influenced by the more human aspects of his being, while his actions seem to be more closely tied to his instinctive monster side. Further, I find his emotions seem to be mixed between these two, as he seems to display some sympathy and understanding while simultaneously his loneliness and uncertainty seem to provoke his violence at times.
|
|
