Grendel Commentary

Grendel by John Gardner is a retelling of the epic poem of Beowulf told through the
perspective of that storys antagonist --- Grendel. Now serving as the protagonist of Gardners
rendition, Grendel tells a tale that reflects new themes as well as some that can be found in
Beowulf. The theme of fate and free will is one of the themes discussed in both texts, and it is an
especially important theme in Grendel. fate and free will is explored within the text through the
conflicting ideology of several characters. Grendel holds a deep nihilistic view on life while the
rest of the world profoundly believe in fate. This ideological battle is present throughout the text
and is used by Gardner to serve as a demonstration of societys reaction to the views of the
minority.
Grendel is convinced from an early age that the world is senseless chaos and people
simply do as they please; however, no one else within Grendel would agree with this philosophy.
The Dragon is one of the characters that presents an opposing view to Grendels ideology, for the
Dragon tries to convince Grendel that all events occur through fate. The Dragon tells Grendel,
...you see the past and the present, like other low creatures We [Dragons] see from the
mountaintop: all time, all space Dragons dont mess with your piddling free will (Gardner
63). The Dragon states this to express the argument that free will does not exist; individuals
simply act in the way that they do because fate has dictated their actions. This event truly marks
a turning point within Grendels world, for he is introduced to an opposing ideology from what
he believes to be a credible source. Grendel becomes conflicted at this point in the story, but he
continues to deny that the Dragon could be right. Gardner allows Grendel some time to
contemplate the idea of fate, but Grendel soon reaffirms that his ideology is the only sensible
outlook on life.
Grendel is skeptical of the Dragons interpretation of life and continues to doubt him --despite knowing that the Dragon is exceptionally wise. This denial of fate, however, leads
Grendel to his downfall, for he is unable to determine that he has no winning chance against the
mighty Beowulf; fate had already written that Grendel would lose, yet his final words to the
reader are as follows, Poor Grendels had an accident so may you all (Gardner 174).
Although it is the final event that happens within Grendel, the death of Grendel leaves the
absolute biggest commentary on the theme of fate and free will. Grendel is beaten to death by a

man that forces him to admit that fate exists; however, he does not accept fate in his death.
Grendel runs into a forest for his final moment and basks in nihilism one last time by calling this
horrific event an accident. These final words both reflect on and reaffirm Grendels outlook on
life: anything is possible, and nothing is predetermined.
Gardner uses Grendel to reflect that society acts hostile toward any individual that
questions their beliefs. As a social misfit, Grendel is naturally an outsider to those of Heorot;
therefore, these individuals see Grendel as a threat to the societal norms that fabricate their very
livelihood. Gardner felt that the minorities within the United States were facing similar
circumstances, so he wrote Grendel to reflect this. Although some may say that the theme of fate
and free will does not connect to the novels background, this theme absolutely fits the
background. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, many Americans were left to question their
fundamental beliefs --- much like Grendel had to question whether he had faith in fate or free
will. By the end of the tale, it is clear to the reader that Grendels death comes with a profound
statement from Gardner. Grendel delivers its final scene in favor of free will to tell the audience
that those who stray from the majority may find themselves in a similar situation.