2/10/20 Alexander Rimerov PD7

02/10/2020 Alexander Rimerov PD 7

Aim: How does Grendel’s characterization and employment of flashback illustrate and develop Grendel’s hatred of men in his novel, Grendel?

Partner Silent Write Now: At the end of Chapter 3, Grendel describes himself as a “ridiculous hairy creature torn apart by poetry.” He goes on to say that: I gnashed my teeth and clutched the sides of my head as if to heal the split, but I couldn’t.” How and why is Grendel “torn apart by poetry”? Identify “the split” to which Grendel refers. Use evidence from the text in your response.

• With our partners, we conduct a very...silent...discussion, using pen and paper as a medium. While this was the first time we’ve ever conducted a “Partner Silent Write Now”, it proves to be promising with entire train of thoughts documented on paper. This helped with partners that later need to bring up proof to how they reached conclusions later when they read out loud their responses.

Responses: Everyone made great contributions to the discussion, but here are the highlights:

• Ryan Chee brought up that Grendel is feeling very conflicted and experiencing complex emotions for the first time. He describes Grendel as being composed by two halves: One is a monster and the other is human

• Kelly Chan provides emphasis of the diction saying that the word “Torn” is meant to show his dichotomy, while the “split” makes it more pronounced. He describes himself as “ridiculous” and a “creature” as to show his perception of the gap separating him from the humans. While he is still a human himself. We see here that he questions this.
• Anthony thinks the opposite, saying it’s ironic that he wants to be with the humans, when it’s against his monster nature.

• Fusaro concludes our discussion by pointing out that his diction, syntax, and manner is that blessed with beautiful linguistics, even if he can’t convey it in words because he’s illiterate. He’s a poet by heart, trapped by his inability to communicate even though he can picture everything in mind. He wants to be part of the world, but can’t because he can’t speak. He’s misunderstood! 
• And Fusaro relates to that

It’s All About Perspective!

In Elementary School, we are taught how great Christopher Columbus is, but what about all of the rape, murder, and smallpox he brought with him?

Grendel is a good person, but is portrayed poorly by the Shaper, so much so that he starts to question it himself. Are you defined by your actions/intentions or your image?

Zodiac Signs: Every chapter aligns to the zodiac, with a reference to the animal somewhere in the chapter (i.e. the bull that gets Grendel stuck in the tree or the two people inside him: the monster and human)

1 - Aries - Ram

2 - Taurus - Bull

3 - Gemini - Twins

4 - Cancer - Crab

5 - Leo - Lion

6 - Virgo - Virgin

7 - Libra - Balance

8 - Scorpio -  Scorpion (Hrothulf)

9 - Sagittarius - Archer

10 - Capricorn - Goat

11 - Aquarius - Water Bearer

12 - Pisces - Fish

As a class activity, we searched up our zodiac sign and listed some positive and negative traits associated with them. This is to better understand the topics and issues tackled by each chapter so we can better understand and analyze them.

Aries:

• Passionate, motivated, and confident leaders
• But often get frustrated by exhaustive details and unnecessary nuances

Taurus:

• Practical, stoic, determined, ambitious and materialistic
• But stubborn

Gemini:

• Open Minded, adaptable, and fickle
• But indecisive

Cancer:

• Creative, loyal, and emotionally deep
• But clingy and hyper-sensative

Leo:

• Enthusiastic, passionate, and generous
• But arrogant

Virgo:

• Logical, practical, and systematic in their approach to life

• But perfectionistic

Libra:

• Intelligent, kind, and always willing to put others before themselves
• But insecure

Scorpio:

• Emotional, imaginative and intense

• But dangerous

Sagittarius:

• Optimistic, restless, progressive and adventurous
• But impatient

Capricorn:

• Ambitious, organized, practical, goal-oriented, and they don't mind the hustle
• But find it difficult to be mindful of other people’s feelings

Aquarius:

• Free-spirited and eccentric
• But Stubborn

Pisces:

• Deeply empathetic, they often exhibit a gentle, patient nature, but one that is in want of inspiration
• But, can be a victim of almost anything, fearful, overly trusting, and a desire to escape reality

Author’s Craft: How does the use of the name “shaper” instead of “scop” contribute to the illustration of this character’s role and its effects on men and Grendel?

The name “Shaper” is more fitting of a name than “Scop” because he’s singing fake tales about how Grendel is a monster. He’s not just singing poems, he’s reshaping how the men and Grendel remember history.

Student Reflection:

What did I learn?

I learned that you don’t need to talk to have a discussion. Like Grendel who is unable to communicate with the men due to his illiteracy, it is possible through a different medium. Even if the other medium is less efficient, like pen and paper, the possibility will allow Grendel to clear his name and make everything right again. Also, I learned that lack of communication doesn’t mean lack of intelligence. Some people might be brilliant, but can’t convey that brilliance correctly. Using inefficient methods also proved to be very frustrating because I wasn’t able to express all of my ideas at once. Perhaps this is how Grendel feels when he’s able to show his true feelings correctly to the men.

Why did I learn it?

This is just the classic, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, in disguise. All minds are beautiful and regardless of where you come from, you should be respected. While someone may appear unintelligent because of how they talk or write, in reality, they might be a poet, just like Grendel, and is just disadvantaged. Instead, we should be striving to help those with difficulties. They are humans too and most likely suffered more than any of us. 

How will I use what I learned?

By taking what we learned today, my perspective on the world has changed. I’ve realized that humans and monsters are no different. These outcasts from society are just people who want to be cared for because they are being neglected. Even if it’s just from one person, I know I’m going to strive harder to care for those that need the care, because with a voice, maybe they can be poets too.