Post by madisonarmst on Aug 27, 2013 8:09:25 GMT
As I was reading, I noticed that Gardner often used unusual objects for metaphors involving humans, such as teeth. One image that I noticed come up more than once was crabs. For example, when describing the lives of humans Garnder comments on their lack of observation by comparing them to crabs. He writes, "That is their happiness: they see all life without observing it. They're buried in it like crabs in mud" (8). Gardner uses the image of crabs to portray sadness. In my opinion, one of the saddest things is when people simply "make it through" life or force themselves to push through instead of being able to truly appreciate it and live in the moment. Gardner uses the image of a crab trapped in mud to convey this sadness.
Later in the novel, when Grendel is afraid, he compares himself to a crab. Gardner writes, "I backed away, crablike, further into the darkness--like a crab retreating in pain when you strike two stones at the mouth of his underwater den" (48). In this instance, Grendel is backing away from Hrothgar because he fears his "goodness" (48). This use of crab imagery illustrates the difference between Grendel and the humans, particulary concerning their ways of life, and reinforces the idea that Grendel is evil by showing his fear of integrity and honesty.
How do you think these two uses of crab imagery are related? What do you think Gardner is trying to comment on by including such an unusual animal in his metaphors? What do you think Gardner's use of crab imagery says about the human race as a whole? Finally, would mankind benefit from slowing down and taking time to truly observe the world around us instead of just living it it?
Later in the novel, when Grendel is afraid, he compares himself to a crab. Gardner writes, "I backed away, crablike, further into the darkness--like a crab retreating in pain when you strike two stones at the mouth of his underwater den" (48). In this instance, Grendel is backing away from Hrothgar because he fears his "goodness" (48). This use of crab imagery illustrates the difference between Grendel and the humans, particulary concerning their ways of life, and reinforces the idea that Grendel is evil by showing his fear of integrity and honesty.
How do you think these two uses of crab imagery are related? What do you think Gardner is trying to comment on by including such an unusual animal in his metaphors? What do you think Gardner's use of crab imagery says about the human race as a whole? Finally, would mankind benefit from slowing down and taking time to truly observe the world around us instead of just living it it?