Post by robertxu on Jul 23, 2013 0:56:26 GMT
My favorite part of Grendel is the conversation between the old peasant and Hrothulf. The peasant preaches, "All systems are evil. All governments are evil. Not just a trifle evil. Monstrously evil" (Gardner 120). He also says, "The state is an organization of violence, a monopoly in what it is pleased to call legitimate violence" (Gardner 119). I personally disagree with the peasant because I believe that order is important. In the world of Grendel, order is the only thing that can provide some semblance of peace and morality. While Hrothgar is a conquerer and a murderer, he is able to establish relative/temporary peace and order between neighboring factions by uniting them under one empire. An example of the benefits of order is when Gardner writes, "He'd shown them the strength of his organization, and now, instead of making war on them, he sent men...to gather their tribute to his greatness" (Gardner 37). Clearly, paying tribute is preferable to one's mead halls getting sacked.
The Shaper and Wealhtheow are extensions of "The System". They help maintain the hierarchy, which is not necessarily a positive thing, but they also promote order and morality. Simply look at how Grendel is made into a better creature by The Shaper when Gardner writes, "I was so filled with sorrow and tenderness I could hardly have found it in my heart to snatch a pig!" (Gardner 44). If Grendel spent more time with The Shaper as opposed to figuring out morality on his own, he would be less violent. Wealhtheow does the same thing when she defuses conflicts on both a local level (between two drunk warriors) and a a larger one (the war between her brother and Hrothgar). The Shaper and Wealhtheow are the only positive forces in Grendel because they are doing what they can in their situations to promote peace and stability.
I believe that Grendel is the foil to Hrothgar. Hrothgar represents order/hierarchy to a fault, while Grendel is the other extreme. Grendel represents pure anarchy, which is shown when Rishi talks about the inherently violent nature of Grendel in his thread. Grendel seems to be a metaphor for what the world would be like without a regional hegemon like Hrothgar to maintain the peace. There is really no "third way" in the world of Grendel: the choice is between hierarchy and primacy, and I for one, would choose the former.
Questions: Is there such a thing as legitimate violence? Do you support absolute freedom or strict controls? What is your view on morality, and its tendency to change with the times? Would Grendel be still be violent if he spent more time absorbing human propaganda?
The Shaper and Wealhtheow are extensions of "The System". They help maintain the hierarchy, which is not necessarily a positive thing, but they also promote order and morality. Simply look at how Grendel is made into a better creature by The Shaper when Gardner writes, "I was so filled with sorrow and tenderness I could hardly have found it in my heart to snatch a pig!" (Gardner 44). If Grendel spent more time with The Shaper as opposed to figuring out morality on his own, he would be less violent. Wealhtheow does the same thing when she defuses conflicts on both a local level (between two drunk warriors) and a a larger one (the war between her brother and Hrothgar). The Shaper and Wealhtheow are the only positive forces in Grendel because they are doing what they can in their situations to promote peace and stability.
I believe that Grendel is the foil to Hrothgar. Hrothgar represents order/hierarchy to a fault, while Grendel is the other extreme. Grendel represents pure anarchy, which is shown when Rishi talks about the inherently violent nature of Grendel in his thread. Grendel seems to be a metaphor for what the world would be like without a regional hegemon like Hrothgar to maintain the peace. There is really no "third way" in the world of Grendel: the choice is between hierarchy and primacy, and I for one, would choose the former.
Questions: Is there such a thing as legitimate violence? Do you support absolute freedom or strict controls? What is your view on morality, and its tendency to change with the times? Would Grendel be still be violent if he spent more time absorbing human propaganda?