3/4/20 Justin Huang PD1

Modern Mythology 2020

3/4/20
Justin Huang
Period 1

Aim: How does the final chapter of Grendel illuminate the paradox of good and evil?

Do Now: Reflect on Beowulf’s words to Grendel. How do they echo the Dragon? How are they different?
Beowulf and the Dragon both see that the world lacks meaning. They each try to break Grendel, convincing him of the pointlessness of his existence. However, they differ in that Beowulf  focuses on rebirth, something just as inevitable as death, yet something that the all-knowing Dragon ironically cannot see. The Dragon believes that there is no reason to do anything at all, that because everything will ultimately end, nothing matters. On the other hand, although Beowulf acknowledges that the world is bound to plunge into chaos or nothingness, he also believes that it is bound to be born again. “Though you murder the world, turn plains to stone, transmogrify life into I and it, strong searching roots will crack your cave and rain will cleanse it: The world will burn green, sperm build again.” If, from its death, the world can be reborn, then there exists something to be made from a “meaningless” world after all.



Search the biblical history of the Archangel Gabriel. What is his role, according to the Old Testament?
Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus. He also defends against angels of other nations and is associated with water.

How does the imagery and symbolism of the Archangel Gabriel manifest itself as Beowulf?
Beowulf is a Christ figure whereas the Dragon symbolizes Satan. To Grendel, Beowulf appears to be winged and breathing fire in their battle, this portrays him as an angel. The archangel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus much like Beowulf speaks to Grendel about rebirth. Also, Gabriel’s role as a defender draws parallels to Beowulf, whose strength Grendel fears. Additionally, water can be associated with clarity and truth. Beowulf’s role is to reveal the “truth”. He guides Grendel by forcing him to see past the “wall” which blocks his reality. As he smashes Grendel into a wall, he tries to convince him that he was the one to build the wall, his nihilism the source of his own misery. He must break it down to create a new reality for himself much like the shaper did.

Consider Archangel Gabriel’s role as a protector of new life and messenger of rebirth when thinking about the aim. How does this play into ancient Norse mythology?
In every apocalypse myth, there is rebirth. In Norse mythology, Ragnorok was not the end of time, the world was to be rebuilt afterwards.

Why does Grendel never use Beowulf’s name?
        Beowulf is a human name, but Beowulf is unlike any other human Grendel has ever met. He is more similar to the Dragon, an otherworldly entity. It is worth noting that Beowulf’s dialogue is italicized in the novel, and to Grendel, his words seem to come from everywhere at once.

Letter from John Gardner
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4b4z8bi2st7gzzt/Letter%20from%20Gardner%20to%20Susie%20West.docx?dl=0

Reflection
        In the novel, Grendel has many thoughts that are not unfamiliar to us all. For young people, life can seem especially lackluster, having spent nearly our entire lives in routine due to schooling. We’ve yet to experience true independence: living without support from others, but with full freedom to do(or not do) as we please.
        It’s human to crave freedom, to want control of our lives. However, often times we are given freedoms, and we do not know what to do with them(just look at voter turnout percentages). Our lives are such an example.
        Beowulf and the Dragon only offer Grendel suggestions as to live his life. Their opinions are contrasting ones, but there is no judge to determine which is better, for that is a matter of opinion. Who’s to tell you what the correct way to live your life is? You’d be a fool to think that there is a correct way at all. Our uncertainty is the only certainty we’ll ever have.