Solipsism is defined as “the belief that the self can know only itself and that it’s existence is everything.” (Webster’s Dictionary) This set of ideals is acutely shown in the life of Grendel. Grendel is upset that life seems to go on without him, without his say-so. It is seen in the opening pages of the novel. “ I hammer the ground with my fists…But the ram stays.” (5) Grendel wants to believe that the entire point of the ram’s existence is to be frightened by him. It is easy to develop these types of thoughts when most of your life is spent in isolation, such as Grendel has spent his. Solipsism, however, goes against human nature. Humans like to feel the interconnectedness of the world. This is not to say that some do not posses solipsistic traits, it is just very hard to live a lifetime never wanting something more

that what the self can offer. The thoughts that he fostered were implanted years before when he first encountered Hrothgar, or humans for that matter, and developed his first opinion of the universe. “…I’d come to understand: the meaningless objectness of the world, the universal bruteness.” (28) Grendel realizes that he is distinctly different from the humans and that they react to his being here, not the other way around. This leads him to believe that the brute reflex that is the universe

Beowulf exist. He knows his mother and eventually humans, who do not pose much of a danger to his existence. Hrothgar’s kingdom is much the same. They are experiencing the height of their little civilization. Things are going good. Later they discover other kingdoms. These groups threaten their existence, and interrupt their time of prosperity. Grendel also plays a part in their rough times. His raids on their mead hall cause much despair for the people. The king himself grows and weak and is symbolically dead well before his body gives out. This mirrors Grendel. Grendel dies before he finds himself at the bottom the cliff. He dies the moment he believes the dragon’s words.

What is the significance of Grendel’s transformation and/or his final system of beliefs? What is Gardner trying to say? On thing is for s

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