Grendel, by John Gardner, follows the story of a bestial creature named Grendel and his experiences with his human enemies. Undeniably, Grendel and the Danes are connected in some way, using each other in order to properly define themselves and explain their meaning in life. The mutual dependence of Grendel and the humans highlights the similarities between the seemingly two different species. However, when taking a closer look, Grendel and the humans are more similar than different. Grendel, despite his monster-like physical attributes, and maniacal actions towards humans, is more human than monster. Grendel displays several key humanistic traits including, the desire for conflict, the aspiration of improvement, and the ability to apply deeper
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This advanced brain functions allows the reader to classify both the humans and Grendel as advanced beings more sophisticated than their primitive counterparts. In the beginning of the novel, Grendel analyzes his interactions with a bull. While stuck in a tree, the bull charges at Grendel through instinct causing his leg to be cut up badly. Despite the pain he is in, Grendel begins to analyze the situation admitting that the bull could kill him if it were to just change its approach, and attack with strategy as opposed to brute force. Grendel 's ability to distinguish primitive brain function and sophisticated brain function illustrates his understanding of rational thought. “What will we call the Hrothgar-Wrecker when Hrothgar has been wrecked” (Grendel pg 91). Contemplating his purpose in life, Grendel is able to correctly discern that his very existence relies on the humans. If they were to be removed from his life, he would have nothing to live for. For this reason Grendel continually raids their meadhall but does not destroy it. In order to provide meaning to his life Grendel must allow the humans to coexist with him. Unlike a primitive being, who would attack an enemy instantly, Grendel is able to place meaning in the world around him exemplifying rational thought. Similarly, the humans illustrate their capability of rational thought and the desire to understand the world around them. Ork, a head priest under Hrothgar contemplates life’s meaning and informs Grendel of his thoughts thinking he is a god sent to him. Both Ork, and Grendel seek out the knowledge of a higher being, Grendel with the Dragon, and Ork with his god. The humans and Grendel share this desire for understanding exemplifying sophisticated brain function and deeper meaning in the world around them. Grendel further exemplifies human characteristics through his greed, and passion.
This advanced brain functions allows the reader to classify both the humans and Grendel as advanced beings more sophisticated than their primitive counterparts. In the beginning of the novel, Grendel analyzes his interactions with a bull. While stuck in a tree, the bull charges at Grendel through instinct causing his leg to be cut up badly. Despite the pain he is in, Grendel begins to analyze the situation admitting that the bull could kill him if it were to just change its approach, and attack with strategy as opposed to brute force. Grendel 's ability to distinguish primitive brain function and sophisticated brain function illustrates his understanding of rational thought. “What will we call the Hrothgar-Wrecker when Hrothgar has been wrecked” (Grendel pg 91). Contemplating his purpose in life, Grendel is able to correctly discern that his very existence relies on the humans. If they were to be removed from his life, he would have nothing to live for. For this reason Grendel continually raids their meadhall but does not destroy it. In order to provide meaning to his life Grendel must allow the humans to coexist with him. Unlike a primitive being, who would attack an enemy instantly, Grendel is able to place meaning in the world around him exemplifying rational thought. Similarly, the humans illustrate their capability of rational thought and the desire to understand the world around them. Ork, a head priest under Hrothgar contemplates life’s meaning and informs Grendel of his thoughts thinking he is a god sent to him. Both Ork, and Grendel seek out the knowledge of a higher being, Grendel with the Dragon, and Ork with his god. The humans and Grendel share this desire for understanding exemplifying sophisticated brain function and deeper meaning in the world around them. Grendel further exemplifies human characteristics through his greed, and passion.