Grendel & Unferth: An Ongoing Battle 

Today, I was able to experience an enjoyable and enlightening discussion led by my fellow class members on the various events and those events significance within Chapter 6 of Grendel. Through this discussion, I definitely gained a larger perspective of the chapter as whole, and delved further into the relationship between Grendel and Unferth - a significantly pivotal part of this novel. In today's class discussion, we discussed the meaning of this relationship, what one means to another, what one represents for the other, and how this connects to the larger sphere of comprehension for this novel. Perhaps one of my favorite chapters in the novel so far, I'd like to share my own thoughts about these topics. 

I think the first area of interest resides within the physical communication and closeness of the interaction between Unferth and Grendel. Isn't it odd that Grendel and Unferth reach such a "closeness" that Unferth is able to understand every word Grendel says? "Oh I heard what you said. I caught your nasty insinuations," (Gardner 87) Unferth whispers to Grendel, laying on the ground, helplessly and pathetically. When Grendel first encounters humans, they mistake his words for anger and attempt to hurt him in response to that. This is definitely significant is showing a transition within Grendel, and setting Unferth apart from the common man. 

After chapter 5, well identifiable for Grendel's encounter with the dragon, Grendel's actions really gave off dragon-like vibes. In the way the dragon attempted to "enlighten" Grendel of the truth about life, Grendel seems to want to "enlighten" Unferth. When he throws apples at Unferth (typically representative of knowledge), he is basically manifesting that attempt to "enlighten" Unferth. He embodies the dragon greatly in this scene. Why do I keep using quotations for the word enlighten? Here is where the next topic of discussion lies. 

Is Grendel truly enlightened? He says, "Whatever I may have understood or misunderstood in the dragon's talk, something much deeper stayed with me, became my aura" (Gardner 75). In my opinion, I do not truly think Grendel is enlightened, but I think that Grendel has convinced himself that he is enlightened. If Grendel was truly enlightened, I think he would be able to reach past the point at which he is right now. In the way the dragon told Grendel that Grendel's role helped men define themselves, I believe man's attitude is actually rubbing off on Grendel - he is using their "un-enlightenment" to appear superior to them. This can also be traced back to the whole ascend vs. descend idea. Almost God-like, he descends into the land of men, and ascends back up to watch from a tree. This is truly ironic - Grendel describes the words of the Shaper's song as "ridiculous, not light for their darkness but flattery, illusion..." (Gardner 48). Hasn't Grendel created an illusion of enlightenment for himself? Is Grendel really all that different than the men he mocks? 

These points further convince me that every time Grendel commits a malicious deed towards men, he is only highlighting the flaws of his own inner self, as the attitude of man exists within himself as well. From the beginning of this novel, he had a peculiar sense of similarity to man - feeling similar emotions and acting greatly human-like. Through his actions, he appears to be giving up bits of himself, more importantly, clouding up his own identity. 

Just something to be thinking about! 

Eldorado 
Edgar Allen Poe 

Gaily bedight,

A gallant knight,

In sunshine and in shadow,

Had journeyed long,

Singing a song,

In search of Eldorado.

But he grew old-

This knight so bold-

And o'er his heart a shadow

Fell as he found

No spot of ground

That looked like Eldorado.

And, as his strength

Failed him at length,

He met a pilgrim shadow-

"Shadow," said he,

"Where can it be-

This land of Eldorado?"

"Over the Mountains

Of the Moon,

Down the Valley of the Shadow,

Ride, boldly ride,"

The shade replied-

"If you seek for Eldorado!"

Edgar Allen Poe may not be the ideal choice when searching for cheerful sunshine-filled poetry, but he certainly isn’t considered one of the greatest poets of all time for no reason. I was specifically attracted to this poem because of the endless number of interpretations that could be made – and of course, the way it sounds to the ears. Another one of my all-time favorites, “Eldorado” is yet another poem that allows me to think beyond the average piece of literature.

There are definitely many aspects to consider when attempting to interpret and analyze this poem, but personally, the principle question lies in Eldorado itself. What is Eldorado? What does it represent?

Structurally and rhythmically, there was one particular aspect that supported the idea that Eldorado may constitute a fantasy. Edgar Allen Poe wrote this poem in a way that emphasizes the similarity between the sound of the words “shadow” and “Eldorado”.  On a subjective note, this indicated to me that both of these signify a similar meaning. Perhaps this denoted that Eldorado was comparable to a shadow – both were not real objects of the world. Curiosity soon consumed me, and I investigated further upon the matter.

Eldorado, literally, means “the gilded place”, connoting a place of great riches and opportunity. This is quite significant, simply because it enforces my belief that Eldorado wasn’t a real place at all – it was misconceived by many to be a specific place of riches. As evident through history, men are weak and greedy when faced with the prospect of material wealth. This knight, although bold and strong, was like many others of his time; he was so distracted by the prospects of riches that he lost sight of the realities that truly made Eldorado what it was.

Eldorado represented something far more precious that valuable jewels. Eldorado was the knight’s journey itself. Through his journey, the knight was exposed to the beauties and experiences of the vast world. He saw the great miracles that no man could accomplish – yet he was truly blinded the entire time through the all overarching need to find the riches of Eldorado. When the knight asks the “pilgrim shadow” where the land of Eldorado is, the shadow only replies to him telling him he must go on further. This shadow was a manifestation of the consequence of his death, appearing immediately after “his strength failed him at length”. This furthers the impression that Eldorado was never an actual place, and the knight wasted his entire life searching for something that was never there – and missing out on all the opportunity of exploration and beauty that accompanied him throughout his journey. He was only rightly enlightened when it was too late.

This emphasizes an idea that people are guilty of even today. It is a part mankind’s innate nature to search for something they wildly desire; they search so feverishly that they lose sight of reality and forget to live their own lives.

This was simply a personal interpretation of the poem, and I 

have definitely thought of numerous more every time I read this work. Feel free to comment and expand on your own thoughts!  

            

Winesburg and "Prufrock"

           

Embedded in literature of different times and forms are common ties that bind them together thematically. Two of the recent works we have read in class are an ideal representation of this idea. Both the novel Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson and the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” (which I will refer to as “Prufrock”) by T. S. Eliot consist of common elements that tie them together, although different forms of literature. Both literary works illustrate ideas of fragmentation, disillusionment, and question of the meaning of life.

The most prevalent similarity lies in the structure of the two literary works as well. The structure of Winesburg consists of various stories of different characters all tied together by a repeating character, George Willard. Similarly, “Prufrock” consists of different sections that each create a different image, but are tied together by a similar speaker. By having different parts to create a whole, the literary works call attention to the details within each individual section, allowing us to connect smaller details to the meaning of the work as whole.

But the thematic connection lies beyond the fragmentation itself, focusing upon what this fragmentation insinuates about dismemberment and disillusionment. A common demonstration of this concept is seen in how both works use body parts heavily – separating them from the individual as a whole and focusing on the specific body part. This is seen in Winesburg throughout the novel. It mentions the “slender expressive fingers” (Anderson 6) of Wing Biddlebaum, the “white beard and huge nose” (Anderson 10) of Doctor Reefy, and the “long white hands” of Elizabeth Willard (Anderson 14). This dismemberment takes place to divert the attention from the large picture to distinct details that help create a persona for the characters. Similarly, “Prufrock” exhibits this same sort of dismemberment of the individual:

“And I have known the arms already, known them all–

Arms that are braceleted and white and bare

[But in lamplight, downed with light down hair!]

It is perfume from a dress

That makes me so digress?

Arms that lie along a table, or wrap about a shawl."

Instead of speaking about the women, Elliot refers to their arms and dresses, perfume and shawls. This shows a fragmentation and dismemberment of the individual and highlights these details to show that the speaker feels admiring, yet out of place. Furthering this similarity lies in the tone and message of the two works as well. Throughout most of “Prufrock” there is a sense of aloofness in the speaker and a sense of disillusionment. This disillusionment transfers itself into Winesburg as well within characters such as Elizabeth Willard who gradually becomes separated from herself, other people, and God. Another example of this would be Wash Williams, who appears to believe nothing in the world is worth noting other than himself. This brings the common idea of some sort of tragedy in the characters in Winesburg and the speaker in “Prufrock” that makes them feel separated from themselves, others, and God.

This disillusionment spurs the additional question of the meaning of life, and what an individual should seek to do with his life. In both Winesburg, Ohio and “Prufrock”, the overarching question of the meaning of life is prominent in enhancing the works thematically. In “Prufrock” there are many instances the speaker questions his current state of life and his future:

“In a minute there is time

For decisions and revision which a minute will reverse

….

And should I then presume

And how should I begin?”

In Winesburg, Ohio, George Willard is a young man that questions how he should go about his own life. This sort of question of development is apparent in the story of “Sophistication”, which ended with my own question of whether George had indeed matured. Both Winesburg and “Prufrock” display people that are struggling coming to terms with their existence and are unsure of what to do with their futures.

These thematic elements allowed for me to tie these overarching ideas to the larger scope of literature, something that brings out feelings I really can’t help but appreciate.