The novel also reveals rivaling philosophies as Grendel tells his side of the story and describes his encounters with other creatures and with humans. It has been updated as of August 2021.The events of the novel are nonlinear, and the characterization of the protagonist is vivid. This free guide was originally posted in February 2015. Order Grendel Resources from Prestwick House Resource

How the First Monster in Our Culture Grew Up to Become an Existentialist Hero.

Interviews with John Gardner, The Art of Fiction No.

The movie was written and directed by Alexander Stitt and starred English actor Sir Peter Ustinov as the voice of Grendel.

A 1981 Australian animated film titled Grendel Grendel Grendel is based on Gardner's novel.

The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood.

Society - Grendel antagonizes the Danes throughout the novel, which provides the basis for Beowulf's story and illustrates the juxtaposition between the community and the antihero's isolation. Morality - From the perspective of a universally viewed antagonist, the lines between good and evil, and right and wrong, are blurred.

One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel García Márquez.

Isolation - The antihero, Grendel, is seen as a monster and is isolated from the world of men.

Identify and analyze symbols in the novel.

Determine whether or not readers can consider Grendel a reliable narrator.

Discuss how philosophical elements such as existentialism, nihilism, and anarchism fit into the story's narrative.

Analyze the specific ways with which John Gardner develops Grendel's character.

Discuss parallels between Grendel and its source text, Beowulf.

Interpreting philosophical complexities.

Understanding or sympathizing with the idea of the antihero.

The philosophical themes and ideas of morality.

The fresh perspective on the hero and villain archetypes.What Your Students Will Love About Grendel Grendel's isolation and his intelligent musings evoke insight into the nature of existence and mankind.Ĭontent Warning: Grendel contains some violent imagery. Inspired by philosophy and existential theory, the author gives depth to Grendel's character, showing that Grendel is not quite the evil being that everyone knows him to be. In his 1971 prequel to Beowulf, John Gardner explores the same story from Grendel’s perspective. The heroic Beowulf comes to Hrothgar’s aid and eventually defeats Grendel in battle. In the original Beowulf, Grendel is depicted as a monster who terrorizes Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, and his people. And if the retail value of your order is at least $2,500, you'll save 35% on all your paperbacks. If the retail value of your order is at least $500, you'll save 30%. You'll always save at least 25% on any paperback you order.

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