Wyatt Tan, Period 6, 3/5/24

 Wyatt Tan

Period 6

3/5/2024

How is what you’re learning applied to any other classes/the world around you?

When discussing Grendel’s role in John Gardner’s novel, Grendel, Grendel is displayed in the beginning as a conflicted character on their identity. Grendel is rejected by humans and finds himself in isolation and existential angst. Being assigned to be the villain, Grendel cannot come to terms with himself regarding this decision made by the world and often finds himself between his decisions. When encountering humans, he needs to show himself as the predator but also wants to acknowledge their bravery and heroism, qualities he lacks. Ultimately, Grendel faces constant inner conflict as he struggles to find his meaning and purpose in life while struggling with his monstrous behavior.

This central idea of Grendel's inability to find his meaning connects to a common struggle with readers. Gardner wrote this novel amidst his struggles to cope with his brother's death, reflecting the conflicts in Grendel’s character. As a reader, you are constantly reminded of the common question regarding the importance or meaning of your own life. Reflecting on this question, I have realized that everyone has a place in society. As humans, we often overlook the daily lives of others who help contribute to a working society, and in turn, we don’t always acknowledge them. For example, your teachers, janitors, garbage collectors, or even your mail carriers. Their jobs are essential, but many of us look down upon them. By accepting our societal roles, we ultimately work towards a greater purpose by allowing others to benefit other parts of our lives. 

Another connection I drew from this idea was the struggle between right and wrong. Many of us face decisions that ultimately have no definite truth. No decision we make has a definite right or a definite wrong. With this struggle, we, as the reader, connect to Grendel as he finds himself in dilemmas, sorting through what is right and what is wrong. For example, political parties are a common divider in society, and often, people get caught up in the idea of a particular right or wrong opinion. Each person is entitled to their own opinion, which allows for a better society as we can develop different views as we share opinions. This also allows readers to understand the importance of different literary lenses. 

All in all, Gardner’s use of Grendel’s character prompts the reader to question the purpose and meaning of life. I have learned that my role in society may be very different from my peers, which comforts me and lets me understand that the pace at which I understand myself is neither too fast nor too slow. This develops a better understanding of the importance of the reader’s surroundings, which coincides with creating a better society full of open-minded individuals.