Often times, as human beings, we confuse our self intentionally. Why? Perhaps it is to understand the world, perhaps it is to find meaning in the things we do, and comprehend the evolution of our minds. Technically, we live in this "paradox" of thoughts, just to realize why we are here. Similarly, is the non-human Character of Grendel. Well let me rephrase that, he is a figurative human. He thinks like we do, more so, he confuses him self just like we do. Our main problem within our lives, is who do we listen to? Do we listen to the liars who try and shape the world to cover the flaws, portray them as good (the shaper), or do we listen to our inner conscience that guides us in the path of destiny and existentialism- you are here, just go with the flow, and everything will lay its path (the dragon)? hmm. But, but, but...WHO are we? Are we the creators? If not, who creates us? Is it the same person that creates the older people around us? And now we bring in the poems of William Blake. William Blake's poems are full of paradoxes, depicting the evolution of man as one of innocence to one of knowledge; note that this is not just a superficial definition of man's changing purpose, to be naive then enlighten themselves, rather it is to show that as one ages, it is less likely for one to be pure. We gain knowledge, bad knowledge. Well, okay. Not necessarily bad knowledge, but the knowledge is what causes unhappiness in our life. We are living with so much information, we do things in order for purpose rather for the pure enjoyment- we loose a sense of youthfulness.
Let's take a look at the Songs of Innocence and Experience:
"And all must love the human form,/ In heathen, trunk, or jew;/Where Mercy, Love and Pity dwell/ There God is dwelling too"
This stanza is from the song of innocence. It is interesting that here, God is the creator, the destructor, and the savior. God is mercy, pity, peace, and love, and he is man, too. Man defines the root of the Cycle- the cycle being that of life, in other words, something must be destroyed for something to be created. Hence, referring back to the questioning of our existence, is that fact that we live in order to carry on the cycle. We are our own creators. We start our as little lambs (reference to The Lamb poem by William Blake) then transform into Tigers.
Now for a little more Blake (from the song of Experience):
"The Gods of earth and sea, /Sought nature's to find this Tree/ But their search was all in vain:/There grows one in the Human Brain"
This stanza exemplifies the vulnerability for knowledge, that soon turns into a mistake. Grendel, is restless for knowledge as he fights to know his existence, yet once this knowledge is gained, he regrets it. Such trend of regretting a higher understanding, gaining enlightenment, is the path in the Hero's journey. An "hero" will find the light, and try to return back, but is only rejected, yet again, but tries to become a teacher. Nonetheless, it seems as if a person evolves and becomes "smarter" not for the sake of themselves, but for the sake of others. In such a way, destiny takes its toll. We do not plan the future outcome, we follow the path that is "laid out" for us- the typical "dragon" saying.
In conclusion, William Blake extrapolates on the fact that life is hindered by knowledge, as a part of man's evolution, causing freight and self doubt. More so, knowledge is a burden that takes away our happiness.
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