Maggie Li, Period 6, 3/2/23

Literacy & Learning-

The most recent piece of literature we read and discussed in class was Grendel by John Gardner which has also been my favorite piece so far. The novel delves heavily into topics such as nihilism and existentialism and is written in a way that allows for an endless amount of interpretation. Grendel, although a tragic character, is relatable to a lot of the youth in our generation. I especially like that Gardner calls into question the pyramids of power in government and religion like the part where Grendel lies to a blind and old priest, Ork, that he is the Destroyer. When Ork tells the other priests about his encounter, they mock and dismiss him. I believe Gardner was trying to demonstrate the irony of religion, where believers blindly devote themselves to a God but don’t truly believe the existence of one. They pick and choose what to believe. I am an atheist, but I have grown up around Buddhism and Christianity and neither had ever resonated with me. My lack of faith has at times made me feel like an outcast amongst my family and I was never really able to understand why they were so faithful. However now, although I still don’t believe in a God, I see why others choose to believe. Their faith gives them reason and stability, sort of like how “Ignorance is bliss.” I don’t think being religious is ignorance but in a way, I think religion gives an explanation for so many unknown phenomenons of our world that it gives many people the comfort of having an “answer”.

Another lesson that stood out to me was when we talked about the quote, “Tedium is the worst pain.” It resonated with me on a multitude of levels, like when I’m waiting for the next episode of a show to release or waiting for my package to finally arrive. However, on a deeper level, I relate in the sense that I feel a sense of doom at times, where although I know I have not hit rock bottom I fear what rock bottom will be. I ask myself, “How bad can it really get?” and the worst part of it all is not knowing and feeling as if I can do nothing but wait to get my answer.