In the novel Grendel, by John Gardner, the main character, Grendel is exposed to many truths. One of which is brought about by the Shaper. Throughout history, Grendel watched the Danes destroy and kill each other. When the Shaper arrives on the scene, he changes everyone's perception of history. He tells the story and he makes them look like heroes. Even Grendel said "Even to me, incredibly, he made it all seem true and very fine.(pg.38)" I found this part kind of confusing because the Shaper wasn't from there, yet he knew the history of the Danes.
Things change again for Grendel once he encounters the dragon. The dragon explains to Grendel that there are flaws in human thinking. They dont have the full understanding of things so they piece isolated facts together in order to make sense of it (pg 57). From time to time, the humans realize that what they stand on is nonsense, and thats when the Shaper comes and and provides them "an illusion of reality". The dragon says "He knows no more than they do about total reality." So in other words, the truth about the Shaper is that he is false, and knows no more than everyone else.
Doesn't the shaper or 'reshaper' (as Grendel calls him) realize that as long as he tells the king and his followers what they want to hear that he will be employed and taken care of? The ultimate question becomes who is the true descendant of Cain: those that murder, waste, and destroy or one that attempts to kill those who murder, waste, and destroy.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem that the Shaper doesn't actually tell the truth, but what tells us that the Dragon is right either? The only defense he has is from himself, or does the fact that Grendel sought out the Dragon's opinions mean he is a trustworthy source?
ReplyDeleteRegarding your comment Mr. Mccarthy, I think that the Shaper knows that if he tells them what they want to hear he will be employed. But regarding the second half of your comment I think that the ultimate question becomes who are the true descendants of Cain, those that are actually his desendents or those who murder, waste, and destroy?
ReplyDeleteagreeing with Gabriels comment, yes the shaper doesnt seem to tell the truth,but does that give more reason for Grendel to believe the dragon's view. Do you think that it is easier for the shaper to tell these stories or lies because he wasnt from there? Are his lies justifiable in order for the people to feel victorious?
ReplyDeleteI think Gabe is on to something. How do we know which characters are really telling the truth and which characters are misleading. Without any inside thought or concrete evidence from those characters, there is no real way to tell in my opinion. At least not in a way that wont leave any doubt.
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