Blog # 2: Grendel

Please read Chapter 3 and respond to the prompts below.  Use complete sentences, display analysis, and use quotes when stipulated.

1.  The first paragraph is exceptional.  Why?  Think about structure.  Oh, you can't just say it's "good".

2.  What does the first paragraph on pg. 31 tell us about humanity?  Use a quote as support.

3.  What, using the text on pg. 33, breeds greed?  Use a quote as support.  What literary device is at play with "breed" and "greed"?

4.  What is stated about war on pg. 34?

5.  How is humanity and progress juxtaposed with nature on pg. 40?  Use a quote as support.

6.  How do we see the Shaper impact history?  Think of the name he is given...why is this so important?  Where does Grendel fall in respect to history?  Is he in or out? (1 paragraph).

Blog # 1 - Grendel

Please read the Introduction and respond to the following prompts.  Use complete sentences, display critical thought and use quotes when asked.

1.  Paraphrase some of the praise that Grendel received upon publication.  Use a quote as support.

2.  How does Grendel change between John M. Howell and John Gardner.  Use quotes as support.

3.  Paraphrase some of the differences between Beowulf and Grendel.  Use quotes as support.

4.  Which theme of Gardner's have we already explored this year?  In which text(s) would we find it?

5.  What does the text say "nihilism" means?  What do you think of the concept?

Due: Before class on Wednesday, 4.10 (B3) & Thursday, 4.11 (A2)