Topic: Trace Grendel’s philosophical journey in Gardner’s Grendel using the cycle of astrology for clues. End this response by stating Grendel’s evolved philosophy. In other words, what is Grendel’s philosophy at the end of his narrative? 500 words.
Throughout the story of Grendel, many references to the signs of the zodiac, as well as to some philosophers, are made. Chapter 1 is set in the month of April, which is the zodiac sign of Aries. In this chapter, Grendel is developing his view on the world, as he is a child. Chapter 2 is related to Taurus the bull. Grendel gets stuck in a tree, and is being attacked by a bull. In this chapter, Grendel says “I alone exist; nothing more.” This school of thought comes from the philosophical view of Solipsism. Chapter 3 is set in the zodiac of Gemini the twins. In this chapter, Grendel encounters the Shaper. The Shaper’s words are very influential, and he often tricks people believe his words, which allows him to shape history. Chapter 4 is set in the zodiac of Cancer, the crab. This chapter is philosophically related to the Old Testament. Here, it is visible that Grendel is a descendent of Cane, and his nature is to do things wrong to the world. Cain is forced to wander without any sleep because of the murder of his brother. This can be seen in Grendel, for he is forced to wander the world. Chapter 5 is set in the time of the Lion, which is connected to the zodiac sign of Leo. This chapters’ philosophy surrounds the ideas of Alfred Whitehead. In this chapter, the dragon says that all things are fundamentally connected, which is close to the view of Whitehead. Alfred views things as process rather than things. In chapter 6, the sign of the Virgin, or Virgo, is very visible. In this chapter, Grendel begins to emerge as a skeptic. He begins to accept that it is not him alone that exists. Sadly, he has said them all to be enemies, and has given up on becoming friends with them all. Chapter 7 is centered on the sign of Libra, which is the scales. In this chapter, Wealtheow emerges. She is the balance of the community, as she is always trying to keep the peace. It is here when Grendel begins to be exposed to Christian values of Wealtheow. Chapter 8 is in the zodiac of the scorpion, or Scorpio. This Hrothulf is taken in by Hrothgar and his family due to his new-found orphanism. He talks to Red Horse, and they speak of overthrowing the systematic government. This chapter revolves around the Machiavellian philosophy, which is a word that usually means a cruel or manipulative action. In chapter 9, the zodiac sign that is visible is Sagittarius the archer. The hierocracy of Ork, an elder priest, is visible in this chapter. Only the fourth priest understands and appreciates what the eldest has to say, and Grendel is stuck trying to figure out who he is. Chapter 10 relates to the sign of Capricorn, which is the goat. This chapter relates to the pessimism of Nietzche, who is a nihilist. He thought that the world no longer had any substance or values. Chapter 10 relates to the zodiac of the water-bearer Aquarius. The views of John-Paul Sartre become very visible in this chapter. Sartre thought that all humans are isolated in a world of accident. He thought that God does not exist, and that there was no reason for anything that happened. He thought that men created their own values, but the values created only have meaning in the conscious mind of the creator. In the final chapter, the chapter of Pisces the fish, it is clear that Grendel is John-Paul Sartre. It is here that Grendel becomes a nihilist, and it is here that it can be seen that Gardner based Grendel off of Sartre.
In summation, Grendel’s journey was one of philosophical matters. The purpose of his quest was to discover what philosophical views he will adapt. At first, he is developing his world view. At the end of the parody, Grendel has become a nihilist. He has become a beast who feels as if the world is an accident, just as he states his death was.