In their respective novels, the monster from Frankenstein and Grendel from the novel share many similarities as well as differences that can be seen throughout their separate novels. While the number of differences between the two novels are abundant, we will mostly be looking at how each of these two complex novels are similar to each other. In focusing on their similarities we look at how they both feel alone and isolated, they both want companionship, and they both are at times enticed by humanity. One of the biggest similarities between Grendel from the novel and the Monster from Frankenstein is that they both feel alone and isolated. The biggest problem that faces the monster from Frankenstein is that he is alone, he is the only one of …show more content…
We have established that the monster from Frankenstein is one of a kind and feels alone, this brings up one of his main goals, seeking a life companion. In the novel, when talking to Victor, the monster states, ““You must create a female for me, with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my being…””(Shelley 125) The monsters’ goal in the novel is not to hurt victor as some might argue, but to achieve a companion that will not shun him. While, trying to achieve this goal leads to suffering and hardships to many in the novel, it is seen that the reason is to fulfill one of humanities’ basic goals, achieve a companion. In the novel Grendel, we see that Grendel is also wanting a companion or friend to talk to. When he is in his cave alone, Grendel states, ““Why can’t I have someone to talk to?” I said. The stars said nothing, but I pretended to ignore the rudeness.” (Gardner 53) While Grendel isn’t completely alone because he has his mother, the difference in language prevents communication or connection that would normally be provided. Since he has no one to talk to, he not only feels alone, but he also is in search for a friend/companion. This similarity can be seen in both novels as an indicator of the loneliness both characters’ …show more content…
In the novel Frankenstein, the beginning of the monsters’ journey reveals of a family that the monster was enticed by, mostly by the music of the old man. While talking about the family, the monster states, ““…The old man, who, taking up an instrument, began to play, and to produce sounds sweeter than the voice of the thrush or the nightingale. It was a lovely sight, even to me, poor wretch! Who had never beheld aught beautiful before.”” (Shelley 91) This shows how the monster was enticed by the old mans’ playing of an instrument, a surprising feat considering the monster was ostracized by humanity. This shows that even the coldest of creatures can succumb to the simplest pleasures of humanity. Similarly, Grendel from the novel also faces the same enticement by the lyrics of the shaper. Grendel states that, “I listened, felt myself swept up. I knew very well that all he said was ridiculous, not light for their darkness but flattery, illusion, a vortex pulling them from sunlight to heat, a kind of midsummer burgeoning, waltz to the sickle. Yet I was swept up.” (Gardner 48) Grendel, as much as he dislikes humanity cannot seem to pull away or forget the shapers’ words. This shows that Grendel liked and even believed in what the shaper was saying, and was for a moment enticed by his words. These two creatures both took pleasure in the sounds and stories that were told by
In Frankenstein, it is evident that the monster wants to reach out the humans and feel accepted into society, craving for friendship with the humans in the story. Although it acknowledges that it is an abomination created by Frankenstein, he constantly tries to find an opportunity to make contact with the family: “I had the sagacity enough to discover enough to discover that the unnatural hideousness of my person was the chief object of horror with those with those who had formerly beheld me. My voice, although harsh, had nothing terrible in it… I could gain good will and mediation of the old De Lacey, I might by his means be tolerated by my younger protectors” (121). Like the monster, Grendel takes interest on the humans, spying on them.
Grendel and Frankenstein Paper Grendel, the savage beast from John Gardner’s Grendel, and the Monster, the murderous creation from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, seek companionship but ultimately turn to violence when they are rejected, suggesting that all beings need love. Although the two actively seek it, companionship eludes Grendel and the Monster, leaving them terribly alone and desiring someone to love and be loved by. The most notable example is his reaction to laying eyes upon Wealtheow, where he practically falls apart inside with lust.
Archetypal characters, Grendel and Humbaba, can be compared and contrasted. Their stories have numerous similarities as well as differences. They are each the feared personas of their respective stories. The fact that they would be considered the villains of their stories is their first similarity.
Grendel growing up as the only one of his kind, found it very hard to be loved which contributed to his loneliness : “ Why can’t I have someone to talk to? I said, the stars said nothing, but I pretended to ignore the ruleness” pg 53 being lonely would attest to all his wrongdoings and why he had so much hatred towards everyone and everything. While Frankenstein’s monster after having been alone for so long only longed affection and love from anything or anybody : “You must create a female for me, with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my being “ pg 125. The monster would ask for this creation so he would have a reason to live as he saw himself as unlovable to other beings. Grendel and Frankenstein were both just seeking what we are born on this earth wanting
Grendel in the novel is more similar than different to "the monster" in Frankenstein because Grendel in the novel is miserable, "the monster" in Frankenstein is alone, and Grendel in the novel realizes who he is or what he wants. In the beginning of the story Grendel doesn’t understand why his mother and he have to hide from the men. He has no one to talk to and feels like his mom hates him because she is always ignoring him and doesn't talk much. Grendel feels miserable as if there was no point in living.
Both novels share many similarities along in addition to many differences allowing for an
He longs for a companion of any kind, but his malign actions drive him further from intimacy of any kind. His attempts in finding a friend are dispirited and ephemeral, like an exhausted toddler throwing a tantrum before falling asleep. Unlike Grendel, however, the monster demands from his creator, “ ‘It is true we shall be monsters, but off from all the world; but on that account we shall be more attached to one another,’ ” (130). Feeling abandoned, the monster initially acts out, but recognizes his anger can be cured with company.
Once noted, the parallels between Frankenstein’s fears and desires and the reality the monster experiences are many. Now that Victor is in university, he no longer has family and friends to fall back upon in the unknown territory of his university. Frankenstein voices is that “[he] believed [himself] totally unfitted for the company of strangers,” irrational as it may be, and believes himself solely dependent on his family and childhood friend for companionship. Without the love guaranteed to him by his family, Victor believes he is unfit to make companions by himself and destined to a life of loneliness. He places much importance on the fact that his father and Elizabeth love him and are concerned with his well-being.
Both the famous movie Blade Runner and the even more famous gothic novel Frankenstein are very different and similar at the same time. Blade Runner also isn’t the only film to be heavily influenced by Frankenstein. There are many more out there just like it and just as
In the book Grendel he seems to change throughout the book. At the beginning of the story Grendel is sensitive , immature and very lonely. Giving a feeling of sympathy . That all changes when Grendel talks to The Dragon. When Grendel first meet The Dragon he was afraid of it. He was so terrified to ask him questions.
Should Dr. Frankenstein Have Made a Companion for the Creature? The creature in ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley is known to have lived an extremely tragic and miserable life. When he finished his tale to Victor Frankenstein, he justifiably demands for a mate to help him cope with all the ordeals he encountered and experienced. This creates the argument of whether Victor Frankenstein was correct in deciding not to create a companion for the creature. I believe Victor Frankenstein was correct in deciding to not create a companion for the creature because the two creatures could reproduce, the female creature may not even be attracted to the male creature, and Victor does not owe the creature the love of a mate.
In conclusion, in both of the novels the theme of isolation is presented through Grendel. He becomes evil, wants to be accepted, he feels helpless and he wants to take revenge. Both of the novels show that Grendel is alone and he is characterized as a evil monster because he doesn't know anything, but to do bad things to other people. Grendel doesn’t have intentions to kill people but his loneliness leads him to become evil because he feels that he is unwanted in his world. All in all, Grendel’s isolation is caused by not being understood and listened.
By denying both main characters the sensation of domestic affection, or any other kind of social belonging, Mary Shelley highlights the importance thereof. The resulting isolation became the driving force behind both Frankenstein and his creation’s abominable actions which, in turn, shows that trying to avoid isolation and seeking the feeling of social belonging is the primary message of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and of
The monster continues by reassuring the creator of his independent intelligence and power over the creature by telling Frankenstein, “This you alone can do”. Here, the creature assumes a role of submissiveness and reliance on Frankenstein. Frankenstein’s monster gains the sympathy of the reader who, despite condemning the murder of innocent people, commiserate with the lonely creature who is in search of an acquaintance, which he will likely never find. The monster also displays power and aggressiveness over Frankenstein; “You are my creator; but I am your master; obey!” The monster wants to desolate Victor’s heart, not by killing him directly,
In Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, written in 1816, the monster is more human than his creator, Victor Frankenstein, because it exhibits stronger human qualities than Victor including: a desire for companionship and personal interaction, an ability to show compassion and grace to others, and has an imagination and intelligence. Throughout the novel, the Monster shows a human characteristic of longing for companionship and love. He even says that “Satan has his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but [he is] solitary and detested” (Shelley 93). Once the Monster realizes this, he flees into the woods, and begins observing a family that lives in a cottage out there.