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Gardner and Kafka – A Look at Two Authors: This 5-page essay examines authors John Gardner and Franz Kafka through their prose, Grendel and The Trial respectively. Sharing the love of existentialist/ nihilistic themes, both men weave tales wracked with self-exploration and the need to define oneself. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
SNGrendl.doc
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5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_SNGrendl.doc
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eventually abandons any previous effort to join society. In this recounting of the famous Beowulf, this is told from the viewpoint of the monster. The Shaper or the blind Homeric
poet offers a heroic view of the world that differs sharply from the nihilism of the Dragon, and the existential despair of Grendel. In his poetic verses he recites
tales about Mans heroic behavior, and the enlightenment that he brings to the dark ages. According to Gardner the Shaper redefines reality and compels people believe it. However, although
Grendel contends that the Shapers stories are merely illusions, he nevertheless comes to admire him (Gardner 1989). Moreover, the philosophy
of the Dragon in Grendel is a spoof on existentialism, (in addition to all other "isms" in the academic world.) Although often on the mark, many of his long-winded
speeches are full of contradictory or exaggerated notions about time and space and the laws of nature. They sound impressive, but Gardner most assuredly intends that the reader question the
nihilistic implications. It appears to be Gardners way of poking a bit of fun at philosophers (especially Sartre) and these systems in general. The Dragons solipsistic lecture to Grendel is
a parody of a treatise on theology and ontology; but his words are so effective that he mesmerizes Grendel and transforms/ shapes him into a relativist without a belief in
absolutes. In so doing he reduces Grendels options to a single dimension -- and he maneuvers him into believing that the role of the wrecker -- is all there is
-- in his future. Thus, under the spell of the Dragons metaphysics Grendel drifts into the mindlessness of the non-verbal underground, and no longer wishes to find out if his
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