Meaning of Life and Novel Grendel Essay

In the novel Grendel, John Gardner, through Grendels character, portrays the universal struggle tout ensemble universe face to go out meaning in life. Grendel, just like every unitary else wants to convey his meaning, and map. Though he struggles, Grendel is ultimately trying to find himself in all of the things that he does. Concept and Explanation Textual Support 1 race in their teenage years often experience a mavin of isolation, and this is what Grendel is representing. He doesnt understand why every angiotensin-converting enzyme else has companionship, while he is alone, which is viewing his struggle to find out the meaning of his life.People always grunt that no one understands them and in Grendels case, its literal, no one understands him. 1 Why cant I have individual to slop to? I said. The stars said nonhing, but I pretended to give notice the rudeness. The Shaper has people to talk to, I said. I wrung my fingers. Hrothgar has people to talk to. Pg. 53 2 This advert shows Grendel asking his mom why they subsist where they do. Hes spirit for answers, for a reason why they receive there, and why they live the way they do. He might not be facial expression for a meaning to life, but hes looking for a meaning for his way of life.He again, doesnt understand why other things get to live in nicer ways, and in better places. Grendel is looking for a reason, as always. 2 Why ar we here? I used to ask her. Why do we stay in this putrid hole? pg. 11 3 This quote also shows Grendel trying to find meaning to life, or rather show his negativity towards it. He is stating that where you are a child, everything is good, but then you grow up and you have to work out the truth. Grendel is still trying to figure out his truth, and what his meaning really is.3 So childhood too feels good at first, before one happens to notice the terrible sameness, age after age. Pg. 9 4 This quote represents Grendels more nihilistic ways. He questions his own acti ons, and motives, showing that he is unsure. His answer to his own question is not even an answer. He says Hrothgar has not do anything to deserve it, but he also has not done anything to be exempt from him. Grendel, again, is searching for an answer why. 4 How, if I get by all this, you may ask, could I hound himshatter him again and again.dive him deeper and deeper into excruciation?I have no answer, except perhaps this why should I not? Has he made any move to deserve my munificence? pg. 122 5 When people find something theyre good at, they refer to it as their calling. Well, this quote represents Grendel finding his calling. He is finally stating that he has an identity and purpose that is unique. This is the first time Grendel feels he actually has a place, and his life has meaning, which elates him. 5 I was Grendel, Ruiner of Meadhalls, Wrecker of Kings pg. 80.