Gold in Grendel

A detailed Summary of Gold in Grendel


Gold has many different uses. In John Gardner's novel Grendel, it is used as a motif to symbolize different aspects of a character. Though it has a constant meaning throughout the novel, it also differs according to each character. Gardner uses gold as a symbol of majesty as well as protection, greed and power throughout the novel especially related to the characters of the Shaper, Hrothgar and the Dragon respectively.

To the Shaper, gold symbolizes majesty as well as protection. He was "beyond the need of any shaggy old gold-friend's pay (49)." The Shaper did not merely work to earn his gold; he sang his songs of old because they were his passion and his love. The king supported him, and that was all he needed. He had no desire to obtain the gold


Gold can mean different things to different individuals. To some, like the Shaper, it can cover their eyes from corruption. Yet, for others, like the Dragon and Hrothgar, it can become the source of their corruption. Everything depends on what their desire is.

To the Dragon, gold symbolizes majesty and power over humans. Gardner first describes the Dragon as "vast and red-golden" with tusks that shimmered as if they were made of gold(57). The dragon is very prestigious. He has the demeanor of a ruler. He understands and he knows the future and sees that as a form of power and control over everything. He persuades Grendel to attack the humans because he knows that he will do it anyway(69). The dragon also knows that he will also perish, so he wants to ga

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Approximate Word count = 518
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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