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.