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The Meaning of Life and Death in Grendel

Death is inevitable, whether people like to believe this to be true or not. But while we are still on earth we have different views about death. Some people are frightened to die and others cannot imagine death will happen to them. In Grendel, the aspect of death is looked upon differently. This is shown by the actions and beliefs of several of the characters in the novel, principally, Grendel, Beowulf, and Unferth. It is obvious that the way one views death reflects a view of the significance of life. For instance, Unferth strongly believes that dying a hero makes life meaningful and because of that he time striving to be a hero. In the novel Grendel, John Gardner displays through Beowulf’s attitude that death is a part of life and life has the meaning people chose to give it; through Grendel’s attitude that his death is a mere accident, hence his belief that life is meaningless; and through Unferth’s obsession with dying a hero and his belief that his life is meaningless if he does not die a hero, through all these reactions Gardner shows their differing attitudes toward death which, in turn, shows their own beliefs about the meaning of life.

Beowulf is a remarkably strong and courageous character who is accepting of dyi

Grendel is extremely nihilistic and looks at his death as an accident. He feels some sense of joy that his death is coming yet he cannot seem to grasp the harsh truth and is petrified. All during the fight with Beowulf Grendel classifies almost every situation as an accident. Grendel says, “If you win, it’s by mindless chance, make no mistake. First you tricked me, and then I slipped. Accident (171).” This quote indicates that Grendel is scared to die even though he thinks his life is meaningless, and he cannot admit to himself that there is someone stronger than he.

Grendel cannot understand why he is so different than everyone else, and he longs to know why.

Beowulf also believes in the cycle of life, that when something dies something new will grow, and the world goes on. In his fierce battle with Grendel he whispers to him,

To Grendel death is not a major concern when it is brought upon other people. Even though Grendel is a violent creature he cannot comprehend the vicious acts that he often sees of the humans. Every time Grendel becomes frustrated with the tedium of the humans daily struggles he goes and kills many people, and does not think it to be a serious ordeal. Grendel spends large amounts of planning on when he will attack the mead hall next and eat people. “So I might set aside Hrothgar’s whole kingdom and all his thanes. If I did not, for sweet desire’s sake set limits to desire. If I murdered the last of the Scyldings, what would I live for? I’d have to move (158).” Grendel is stating that his life is so meaningless he would have nothing to live for if he could not simply go and kill several people.

The way Beowulf acts toward the aspects of death has a connection with his view on the meaning of life. Beowulf believes that life has whatever meaning people choose to give it. He exclaims, “The world is what it is and always was. That’s our hope, our chance! (169).” From this quote Beowulf is saying that there are hard times in life, but if we have hope and give our lives purpose our lives on earth will be meaningful and fulfilling. People have the choice of deciding what sort of life they will live. Beowulf chooses to live the life of a bold and caring man to his people, which reflects in the way he prepares to die. Grendel, on the other hand, chooses to make the opposite choice. “Grendel, Grendel! You make the world by whispers, second by second. Are you blind to that? Whether you make it a grave or a garden of roses it is not the point (171).” Beowulf says this during his battle with Grendel which shows that Beowulf believes people can choose to make their life whole or not.

“ …but where the water was rigid there will be fish, and men will survive on their flesh till spring. It’s coming my brother. Believe it or not. Though you murder the world, turn plains into stone, transmogrify life into I and it, strong searching roots will crack your cave and rain will cleanse it: the world will burn green, sperm build again. My promise.

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