John Gardner's Grendel is a story based on the epic tale of Beowulf. Gardner writes his story in the eyes of the monster, Grendel. Gardner decides to go through human society and write about how humans view themselves. As the story proceeds and Grendel explores his inner self, a hidden progression of philosophies are introduced.The twelve chapters all reveal the twelve different phliosophies and differnt phases of characteristics Grendel experiences.
             Chapter one explores the cynical understanding of the universe. In this chapter a ram is introduced to symbolize the beginning of spring. The change of seasons results in the change of human character. Chapter two explores solipsism or the idea that only you exist. The bull is the only thing that exists in this scene. Grendel observes his own observations when feeling his mother's fur. Chapter three introduces sophism. This explains the importance of rederick, to teach, what is true. The sophist in this chapter is the shaper. Sophistry is merely arguing without believeing.
             Chapter four is based around the old testament of the bible. The crab reveals a character of internal conflict. Grendel realizes he is cursed by the shaper's songs. Related to society are internal conflicts between lust, love, good and evil. Darkness emerges here as the chaos of nature. Chapter five identifies nihilism which is the rejection for what requires faith for salvation. The dragon is the symbolic figure in this chapter which represents passion for luxury.
             Chapter six explores skepticism. Grendel is the skeptist. He is scornful of unferth's heroic image and criticizes him for the challenge.
             Chapter seven is based soley on the new testament. Weltheow is the symbol of balance just as Jesus was supposed to bring balance to the world. Grendel wants to embrace but he's seen to much evil and corruption to understand to love. In Chapter eight, Machiavelli's principles of warefare tactics are seen as peo...