Post by Marshall on Aug 23, 2013 17:08:15 GMT
While reading about Grendel's actions and getting small glimpses into his head, I was constantly searching for what he represents. I never viewed him as simply a character, but rather a physical form of some aspect of humanity. I know I'm not the only one who has been thinking this way, but my question is broader than Kasey's previous thread, since he might not be an allusion to a specific part of society. So what part of humanity, the human psyche etc is Grendel?
The main idea I kept coming back to is Grendel as a physical manifestation of the human reluctance/aversion to admitting we're animals. It's salient idea in many cultures, even ones that evolved separately of each other, and especially schools of religious thought. There is a profound yearning sometimes layered behind unabashed arrogance not to be lumped in with the rest of the animal kingdom. It would explain Grendel's size and appearance, as he is a powerful force in a monster, humanoid body. His isolation is the human reluctance to admit he exists, and for a time the humans in this story were completely ignorant of his existence. The Shaper even tells a story of how humanity was split and Grendel's ilk was cursed by god. He seeks to rejoin humanity and is attacked out of fear towards his "grotesque" form. So he taunts them. He shows them he is the powerful one, and exactly like the dragon said, he makes them better.
I'd like to hear what y'all think, and hopefully someone can prove me wrong.
The main idea I kept coming back to is Grendel as a physical manifestation of the human reluctance/aversion to admitting we're animals. It's salient idea in many cultures, even ones that evolved separately of each other, and especially schools of religious thought. There is a profound yearning sometimes layered behind unabashed arrogance not to be lumped in with the rest of the animal kingdom. It would explain Grendel's size and appearance, as he is a powerful force in a monster, humanoid body. His isolation is the human reluctance to admit he exists, and for a time the humans in this story were completely ignorant of his existence. The Shaper even tells a story of how humanity was split and Grendel's ilk was cursed by god. He seeks to rejoin humanity and is attacked out of fear towards his "grotesque" form. So he taunts them. He shows them he is the powerful one, and exactly like the dragon said, he makes them better.
I'd like to hear what y'all think, and hopefully someone can prove me wrong.