Throughout the book, Grendel is in search of the truth about his existence and the world around him. The first time the "truth" is presented to him by the Shaper. Although Grendel knows that was the Shaper is saying is not true, the way in which he tells the tales mesmerize Grendel and make him want to believe that they can be true. The Shaper motivates Hrothgar's men by telling them that everything they have done is good and caused by a higher power. When Grendel meets the Dragon, the "truth" he receives is opposite to that of the Shaper. The Dragon seems to know many facts about the world around him and the future. It seems he gives Grendel factual information and poses questions to him which cause a higher level of thinking. This is opposite to the Shaper who offers the people answers to the questions they have about the world through his tales by saying God is in control. The Shaper's tales make Grendel very emotional because they are so beautifully composed while the Dragon's facts overwhelm Grendel. I think the author John Gardner uses the Shaper and the Dragon to symbolize science and religion. They symbolize the struggle people face with either choosing to believe facts or choosing to believe in a higher power. It is up to you choose which "truth" you believe.

Modern Day Beowulf and Grendel

I think it is very hard to find people to compare to Beowulf & Grendel because both of these characters represent certain traits or morals at a very extreme level, that are not very common today. Beowulf represents this hero who is fearless and proud. He is able to withstand any challenges that come his way with no worries whatsoever and a surprising confidence. There is no doubt in his mind that he can accomplish whatever he sets out to do. Beowulf stands for God, his family, and his nation. I think the closest group today that can compare to Beowulf would be the people in the army or law enforcement. These people courageously set out to protect their country and do not let the danger of their situation stop them from fighting. Paramedics and firefighters also show this great bravery when they save people's lives, similar to the way Beowulf does throughout the text. I don't think there is anyone that I would call a "modern day Grendel" because I don't fully understand this character and why he is the way he is, so I don't think it would be right for me to compare him to anyone just yet. Although today there are many people who commit insane crimes, I wouldn't say they are like Grendel because Grendel is very angry and commits all these crimes without really having a reason or motive behind any of it. Killing for Grendel seems almost instinctual and it seems that at times, he is more animal like than human because he does not think before he does these things and it doesn't seem like he really thinks what he does is wrong. I cannot really say that there is a modern day Grendel because I don't know if Grendel is really as evil as he is portrayed to be in Beowulf or if there is more to this character which I have not yet seen.

About Me

My name is Jasmine Lissette Castro and I am currently a junior at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. In my family, I am the oldest child and I have six younger siblings. The older three live with me and the younger three live with my dad. I will be turning seventeen on September 15th. I have a cat named Patsy, which I have had since I was one. I also have a big,black Labrador named Oso. Music is an important part of my life and when I'm not listening to music, I'm probably singing in my head. I took piano freshman and sophomore year and it actually wasn't as bad as you might think. I actually enjoyed the class and feel like I learned a lot. I am not a morning person...at all. Which is why I am so quiet during English first period. People think that since I am quiet, I am shy, but I'm really not. I really like football and hockey because they are such aggressive sports, they are very entertaining. I get really into the games and I am a Blackhawks fan. I am also a Bears fan because, in the words of Mrs. El-Amin, I just love to have my heart broken. I love nature and I really enjoy going camping or to the forest preserve. I like to read so I am very excited that Mr. McCarthy likes to read also. I hope that means we will be reading many books this year. I am a little nervous about this year because last year I had Ms. Graf, who is an amazing English teacher, but she gave us more freedom and less structure when it came to analyzing so I am hoping that I will be able to analyze the text in the way Mr. McCarthy wants. I am excited to see what this year will be like and all that I will learn from Mr. McCarthy.