Analyze the theme of identity in the book Grendel by John Gardener

The Theme of Identity in Grendel by John Gardener Name Institutional Affiliation Instructor Course Date The Theme of Identity in Grendel by John Gardener In John Gardner's "Grendel," the theme of identity is presented to the reader as the central and complex issue. The protagonist, Grendel, journeys to discover himself and establish his identity. Gardner presents identity crisis and confusion as the protagonist finds it to fit among human beings. Grendel admits that he has hardships communicating with humans, and any attempt is responded to with violence. The protagonist even wished that the shapes in the caves were his family. This indicates his longing to belong among humans, but he finds it hard to understand their culture and society (Gardner, 1989). From his quest to understand his position in the universe to his heart-touching encounters with human and non-human characters, Grendel profoundly analyzes the complex connection between the individual identity and the forces trying to mold and create it. This work explores the identity theme and the journey Grendel took for self-discovery.  Grendel's quest for identification is a moving analysis of existential agony and identity crisis. He frequently worries about his role and position and feels alone and misunderstood. The Shaper's stories, which simultaneously captivate and repulse him, are examples of his inner struggle and his longing for meaning in a world that otherwise is meaningless. Grendel's existential dilemma becomes more severe after he meets the dragon because the creature's pessimistic attitude weakens Grendel's sense of self. He ponders, "Poor Grendel's had an accident," I whisper. "So may you all." (Gardner, 1989, p.111), which indicates the tragedy associated with seeking his identity. Grendel's quest to find who he is a tragic and inevitable process in which he struggles with the complexities of his own identity in a world that does not have any clear answers. The concept of human vs. monster identity reveals the protagonist's problem coping with the conflict between his internal and external perceptions. Grendel's confrontations with others demonstrate how their conception of him as a monster differs from his innermost feelings of pain and the longing for a human connection. For instance, Danes is very aggressive toward Grendel when they first meet at Hrothgar's mead hall. After considering the encounter, Grendel laments, saying, "I understood that the world was nothing: a mechanical chaos of casual, brute enmity on which we stupidly impose our hopes and fears" (Gardner, 1989, p.15). Grendel admits that people see him as a mere aggressor and a destroyer. Nevertheless, Grendel's inner thoughts and his wish to know about the world show that he is a more complicated and human person, which makes the simple definition of him as a monster harder to do. In this conflict, Gardner delves into the complexities of identity and how internal and external perceptions create persons. Grendel's life is dominated by isolation and alienation, showing his extreme separation and disconnection from the outside world. He yearns for an identity where he can relate with other people. Grendel percei...