English Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

English Research Paper - Essay ExampleIn each chapter of the book Gardner illustrates a different philosophical theory. In an interview John Gardner (1974) said that the point of writing this book was to go through the main ideas of Western Civilization ... and go through them in the voice of the monster, with the story already taken care of, with the various philosophical attitudes (though with Sartre in particular), and see what I could do.Grendel is based on Beowulf, a Danish epic, which tells the story of King Hrothgar who is subjected to repeated attacks from the monster Grendel. For 12 eld Grendel wages a guerilla-style war with Hrothgar. The king is unable to ward him off. Finally Beowulf, a stranger comes from the convey of the Geats and kills Grendel, as well as Grendels mother and the dragon. Gardner begins his tale from the twelfth year of Grendels battle with the Danes. Grendel in the falsehood narrates the story of his flavor as he looks back and reflects on his lif e. He is drawn by the poesy and beauty of the world of humanes, but is unable to escape the monstrousness in him. As Steven Wu says (2002), he is both zoology and human and despises both his bestiality and humanity with equal bitterness. When Shaper, a poet whose evocative poetry and harmony shape the Danes views first joins Hrothgars men, Grendel is inspired by his heroic ode to hope. He is inspired to join the human race but he is misunderstood and turned out by the humans. This makes Grendel revert to his belief in nihilism which to him means there is no purpose to existence. He becomes vengeful but continues to be preoccupied by the Shapers words of hope. Grendel then meets the dragon and his hopes are dashed further. Grendel again becomes the destroyer. In his journey of life he constantly confronts meaning. He sees Hrothgar age and as Grendel repeatedly attacks him, he sees him becoming small-scale and noble instead of being bitter. Wealtheow, the beautiful young queen wit hstands with grace her