1. Nihilism in Grendel
Nihilism is the belief that life and traditional values are both futile and useless. It focuses on the more grim side of life and the futility of the human condition. Such themes can be seen in some of the most notable literary works of the twentieth century. Although never claiming to be nihilists, such writers as F. Scott Fitzgerald, J.D. Salinger, John Steinbeck, and poet T.S. Eliot infused elements of this philosophy into their writings. In each of their most famous novels and poems, some aspect of Nihilism can be found. In the novels of the above mentioned writers, their protagonist have been destroyed by either the cruelty of the world around them or their own inability to realize the falseness of the dream which they hoped to attain. In the poems of T.S. Eliot he describes a world in which all hopes and ambitions are lost. He paints a picture that shows this life as a wasteland for the soul. .
J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, incorporates several nihilistic aspects. In the novel the principle character, Holden Caulfeild embarks on what is to become a four-day odessy through New York City. By observing the actions and the dialogue used by Holden, one can see that nihilism is a prevalent theme throughout the novel. In the early chapters we find out that Holden has been expelled from Pencey Prep, the private academy which he attends, because he has failed to pass four of his classes. From this one situation it can be deduced that Holden does not seem to see any benefit in successfully pursuing his education. He sees it as useless, worthless, and futile. This point of view is a key component of nihilism. His character traits also demonstrate a nihilistic approach to life. He is a chronic liar, which he clearly makes known early in the novel when he states " I"m the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life" (Salinger 16). This indicates that he has little respect or regard for the traditional value of telling the truth.
Nihilism is derived from the Latin word 'nihil', meaning 'nothing'. ... Nihilism got a more coherent position in banned texts which were smuggled into Russia during that period. ... Such kind of literature based on Nihilism, was desired by those who desired social reform. ... Even though Bazarov is considered to be one of the important figures of Nihilism, there are a lot of things about him that go against Nihilism. ... Not only does Turgenev define Nihilism for us, he also gives us a very realistic piece of writing. ...
Bazarov moved away from the emotionless nature of nihilism and confessed his love to Anna. ... For a instance Bazarov had rejected nihilism and embraced love. ... Bazarov put aside nihilism to help Pavel with his wound. ... Bazarov's last wish was not made out of nihilism but of the love he still possessed for Anna. Bazarov never obtained nihilism. ...
Nihilism is the key to dada. Nihilism is the denial of traditional and religious and moral principals. In The Metamorphosis Kafka creates nihilism by these quotes. ... "I won't pronounce the name of my brother in front of this monster, and so all I have to say is: we have to try and get rid of it" creates nihilism by that Gregor is being denied of his own family. ...
In the following essay, we are going to analyze Nietzsche statements and explore the link between the Death of God and Nihilism. First of all, one of Nietzsche's conclusions on the Death of God concerns the link between Nihilism and the principle of Being and Becoming. ... Hence, as mentioned by Paul Catanu, "Nihilism is attained when we realize that Becoming aims at nothing and that Becoming has no goal. Nietzsche claims that the source of nihilism is the death of God". ... In other terms, the ideology behind Nihilism would rule during these crucial years. ...
Pavel hates Nihilism; therefore since Bazarov is the impersonation of Nihilism, Pavel hates Bazarov and everything he stands for. ... This symbolizes the wounding of the traditional beliefs by Nihilism. Both ideals remain alive and prevalent but nihilism has taken supremacy over the old ideals. ... Arkady is essentially a puppet on Bazarov's idealistic string of Nihilism. ... He and his son are always in disagreement over the ideals of Nihilism. ...
Grendel follows the philosophical evolution, from solipsism to nihilism, of a socially isolated creature, a monster. ... After his visit to the dragon, Grendel finds a more solid shield, nihilism: the belief that nothing has meaning; that life is a long series of accidents and is in itself an accident. As a philosophy, nihilism is complete. ... As a system of values for a living being, however, nihilism leaves much to be desired. ... The human hero Beowulf represents an alternative to hopeless nihilism and cynicism, an alternative that Grendel never finds. ...
Although Christian teachings were a source of morality, due to the death of god, Nietzsche believed Nihilism and change of morality would occur. ... Nietzsche believed once people accept the death of god, nihilism would occur. Nihilism is when people have a lack of belief and traditional values are nonexistence in life. ... "(4) He thought people had to experience nihilism to find their identity and that people "require, sometime, new values.... Nietzsche's argument that the death of god would cause Nihilism and a change of morality became vastly popular....
The university became a seat of revolutionary activity: nihilism, anarchism, and later Marxism were espoused and propagated. ... The university became a seat of revolutionary activity: nihilism, anarchism, and later Marxism were espoused and propagated. ... The university became a seat of revolutionary activity: nihilism, anarchism, and later Marxism were espoused and propagated. ... The university became a seat of revolutionary activity: nihilism, anarchism, and later Marxism were espoused and propagated. ... The university became a seat of revolutionary activity: nihilism, anarch...