Due:
GRENDEL and PHILOSOPHY Writing Checkpoint (W.1, RL.1,2) - Plagiarism/AI checker in use. Do your own thinking and writing, please.
Answer EACH question with a short essay response of at least 7-10 sentences EACH. Use examples from the text, and show understanding of the philosophical concepts you discuss.
Prompt 1: Nihilism vs. Meaning-Making
John Gardner presents Grendel as a creature who repeatedly confronts the idea that life is meaningless.
To what extent does the novel ultimately support or reject nihilism?
Use at least two moments from the novel (such as Grendel’s encounters with the Shaper, the dragon, or Beowulf) to explain whether Gardner suggests that meaning is illusory, constructed, or necessary for human (or monstrous) survival.
Prompt 2: The Ethics of Power (Machiavellianism & Ethical Egoism)
Grendel frequently observes how power operates in Hrothgar’s world and how it justifies violence, hierarchy, and mythmaking.
Is Gardner critiquing or endorsing a Machiavellian view of power?
Respond by analyzing one character (Grendel, Hrothgar, the dragon, or Beowulf) and explain how their actions align with or challenge ethical egoism. What does the novel imply about morality when survival is at stake?
Prompt 3: Existentialism and the Final Choice
Existential philosophy emphasizes freedom, choice, and responsibility in a world without inherent meaning.
How does Grendel’s final confrontation with Beowulf function as an existential moment?
Discuss whether Grendel chooses his ending, resists it, or is trapped by the narratives imposed on him. What might Gardner be saying about agency when identity has been defined by others?
Scoring Guide (25 points total)
Philosophical Understanding (5 pts)
5 – Clearly explains the relevant philosophy (nihilism, existentialism, ethical egoism, Machiavellianism, etc.) and applies it accurately to Grendel
3–4 – Shows general understanding but explanation is vague or partially inaccurate
1–2 – Mentions philosophy but misunderstands or oversimplifies it
0 – No clear philosophical connection
Textual Evidence & Specificity (5 pts)
5 – Uses specific moments, characters, or scenes from the novel with clear relevance
3–4 – References the text generally but lacks detail or precision
1–2 – Minimal or unclear textual support
0 – No textual evidence
Analysis & Insight (5 pts)
5 – Thoughtful, original analysis that goes beyond summary and shows interpretive depth
3–4 – Some analysis present but leans toward plot summary
1–2 – Mostly summary with limited insight
0 – No analysis
Clarity & Organization (5 pts)
5 – Response is coherent, focused, and well organized; ideas flow logically
3–4 – Generally clear but may wander or repeat
1–2 – Disorganized or difficult to follow
0 – Incoherent or incomplete
Grammar and Mechanics usage (5 pts) - Lose a half point for every mistake that causes confusion or distracts from the reading of your response.
Prompt 1: Nihilism vs. Meaning-Making
John Gardner presents Grendel as a creature who repeatedly confronts the idea that life is meaningless.
To what extent does the novel ultimately support or reject nihilism?
Use at least two moments from the novel (such as Grendel’s encounters with the Shaper, the dragon, or Beowulf) to explain whether Gardner suggests that meaning is illusory, constructed, or necessary for human (or monstrous) survival.
Prompt 2: The Ethics of Power (Machiavellianism & Ethical Egoism)
Grendel frequently observes how power operates in Hrothgar’s world and how it justifies violence, hierarchy, and mythmaking.
Is Gardner critiquing or endorsing a Machiavellian view of power?
Respond by analyzing one character (Grendel, Hrothgar, the dragon, or Beowulf) and explain how their actions align with or challenge ethical egoism. What does the novel imply about morality when survival is at stake?
Prompt 3: Existentialism and the Final Choice
Existential philosophy emphasizes freedom, choice, and responsibility in a world without inherent meaning.
How does Grendel’s final confrontation with Beowulf function as an existential moment?
Discuss whether Grendel chooses his ending, resists it, or is trapped by the narratives imposed on him. What might Gardner be saying about agency when identity has been defined by others?
Scoring Guide (25 points total)
Philosophical Understanding (5 pts)
5 – Clearly explains the relevant philosophy (nihilism, existentialism, ethical egoism, Machiavellianism, etc.) and applies it accurately to Grendel
3–4 – Shows general understanding but explanation is vague or partially inaccurate
1–2 – Mentions philosophy but misunderstands or oversimplifies it
0 – No clear philosophical connection
Textual Evidence & Specificity (5 pts)
5 – Uses specific moments, characters, or scenes from the novel with clear relevance
3–4 – References the text generally but lacks detail or precision
1–2 – Minimal or unclear textual support
0 – No textual evidence
Analysis & Insight (5 pts)
5 – Thoughtful, original analysis that goes beyond summary and shows interpretive depth
3–4 – Some analysis present but leans toward plot summary
1–2 – Mostly summary with limited insight
0 – No analysis
Clarity & Organization (5 pts)
5 – Response is coherent, focused, and well organized; ideas flow logically
3–4 – Generally clear but may wander or repeat
1–2 – Disorganized or difficult to follow
0 – Incoherent or incomplete
Grammar and Mechanics usage (5 pts) - Lose a half point for every mistake that causes confusion or distracts from the reading of your response.