John Gardner's Grendel: Good Or Evil?

Novel "Grendel" provides a unique perspective on the character of Grendel, the monster from the epic poem "Beowulf." In the novel, Grendel is portrayed as a complex and multifaceted character, rather than a simple embodiment of evil. Throughout the story, Grendel grapples with questions of morality, existence, and the nature of good and evil. This essay will explore the character of Grendel in Gardner's novel and discuss whether he can be considered good or evil.

One of the key themes of "Grendel" is the idea of existentialism, the belief that life has no inherent meaning or purpose. Grendel is portrayed as a creature who is constantly searching for meaning in a world that seems indifferent to his existence. He is plagued by feelings of loneliness and isolation, and struggles to find his place in the world. This existential angst is a central aspect of Grendel's character, and it complicates the traditional view of him as a purely evil monster.

Throughout the novel, Grendel is shown to have a capacity for both good and evil actions. While he is capable of committing violent and destructive acts, such as killing and eating humans, he also displays moments of compassion and empathy. For example, Grendel forms a bond with a young human boy named Red Horse, and experiences genuine sadness when Red Horse is killed. This complexity in Grendel's character challenges the simplistic notion of him as purely evil.

Another important aspect of Grendel's character is his relationship with the humans in the story. Grendel is initially portrayed as a vicious and bloodthirsty monster who terrorizes the humans of Hrothgar's kingdom. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Grendel's actions are driven by a sense of frustration and alienation, rather than pure malice. He longs for connection and understanding, but is unable to find it among the humans who fear and despise him.

One of the most significant moments in the novel is Grendel's encounter with the dragon, a wise and enigmatic creature who serves as a mentor to Grendel. The dragon's philosophy of nihilism and destruction deeply influences Grendel, leading him to question his own beliefs and motivations. The dragon represents a dark and nihilistic view of the world, and encourages Grendel to embrace his destructive impulses. This influence further blurs the line between good and evil in Grendel's character.

In the final chapters of the novel, Grendel confronts his own mortality and the inevitability of his death. This existential crisis forces Grendel to confront the consequences of his actions and reflect on the meaning of his life. In the end, Grendel's death is portrayed as a tragic and poignant moment, highlighting the complexity and humanity of his character.

John Gardner's novel "Grendel" presents a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of the character of Grendel. While Grendel is capable of committing evil acts, he is also shown to have moments of compassion, empathy, and existential angst. His complex relationship with the humans in the story, as well as his encounters with the dragon, further complicate the traditional view of him as a purely evil monster. Ultimately, Grendel can be seen as a tragic and complex character who grapples with questions of morality, existence, and the nature of good and evil.