Grendel Discussion Questions

Q 1. What does the image of intertwining trees symbolize across the novel?

The intertwined trees symbolize the symbiotic relationship between King Hrothgar and Grendel. Hrothgar’s character serves to foreground the mutual reliance between monsters and humans: that is, they define themselves in contrast to each other in the novel. Further, as the dragon shares, Grendel’s attack on Hrothgar’s kingdom is important because the attacks enable humans to improve. The intertwined trees thus represent construction as well as destruction.

Fate is an important theme in epic tales. The image of the tree that Grendel revisits in his dreams reminds him of the first time he was misunderstood by humans. In this context, the intertwined trees also reinforce the fact that Grendel cannot completely escape the human world, and neither will he be understood by the townsfolk, even though both speak the same language. He is doomed to be misunderstood, in other words. The image also becomes a premonition of danger in the novel.

Q 2. What is the role of the Shaper in the novel and what does the character signify?

We are introduced to the uniqueness of the Shaper’s character in the very first chapter when, despite being blind, he is able to run away from the danger posed by Grendel. He is not overcome and paralyzed by fear, unlike other human beings. Grendel at once recognizes this unique quality. Grendel also grows aware of the power and influence the Shaper gains by creating myths, stories, and comforting versions of the history of King Hrothgar’s kingdom.

The Shaper’s character signifies the power of art in the development of human civilization across time and philosophies. The Shaper is judged differently by the proponents of different schools of thought in the novel, including Grendel. Nonetheless, Grendel also finds himself captivated by the Shaper’s stories and songs. At one point, Grendel even wishes he had the capacity to believe the Shaper’s stories, though of course he realizes that the stories are mostly comforting fabrications.

Q 3. How does the title character being a monster shape the narrative of Gardner’s text?

Beowulf, one of the first English epics, is a well-known classic. In Grendel, Gardner makes a protagonist out of the anti-hero Grendel, who is just one of several monsters in the original epic. Gardner’s version thus sheds light on the similarities between the bestial and human. More accurately, the novel seems to suggest that the beast-human dichotomy is not all that accurate or illuminating.

It’s worth noting that there’d have been no negotiation between Grendel and the townsfolk without language. Grendel observes the development of human settlements around his cave; he understands, even if only marginally, certain unique aspects of the human way of life. He even sees some similarities between himself and the townsfolk. However, the townsfolk see him only as a cruel beast; they attack him even when he comes in peace. As the novel progresses, it is established that they are antithetical, but also pivotal to each other’s identities.

Grendel seeks to understand the meaning of his existence. When he feels isolated he attempts to forge connections with the creatures around him, including humans. As he converses with the advocates of various schools of philosophy, he is pulled toward the solipsistic and nihilistic. He believes it is his duty to disrupt and pillage the kingdom, since the violence he causes ultimately pushes humans to improve themselves.

By seeing Hrothgar’s kingdom through Grendel’s eyes, readers are able to understand him better. In effect, Grendel, the anti-hero is not presented as a truly evil individual; Gardner seems to urge readers to regard him as just another living being.

Q 4. How does Grendel experience religion in the novel?

Grendel mainly understands religion by observing the priests. According to Grendel, Ork, the oldest priest, is a true believer. Grendel thinks of the other priests as rather shallow and opportunistic. Interestingly, the other priests think of Ork as a senile person. These other priests also see religion as a great tool for gathering power and wealth. They even tell Ork that his “antics” would be lucrative if he were to perform them in the presence of other people.

The young priest, on the other hand, is a symbol of the new, emergent religious thinking, one that is anticipating a renewal and change of energy. His faith in Ork shows that his values are still rooted in “true belief.” He also refuses to join the ranks of corrupt, hypocritical priests.

Q 5. What is Grendel’s fascination with the stranger from overseas?

The strong, muscular stranger from overseas is Beowulf, the leader of the Geats. Grendel experiences profound boredom in the seasons preceding the Geats’ arrival. He is fascinated by the change of air, and he is equally enlivened by Beowulf’s bravado. In Beowulf, he seems to sense a worthy competitor. Meanwhile, Beowulf is certain of his capabilities and declares that he is an ally to the Danes and is there to slay Grendel. Upon hearing this, Grendel, who is bored of killing the helpless townsfolk, is both excited and nervous to meet Beowulf.

The recurring image of the monotonous, unthinking, and indifferent mountain goat is suddenly disrupted and replaced by nightmares and other images of danger. Grendel senses that his habitual pillaging of the townsfolk is about to be interrupted. He thus finds himself fascinated by the stranger who’s brought about this change of air.