Béowulf Today: Rewriting of the Epic in John Gardner´s Grendel

Veronika Dvořáková

Bachelor's thesis

Beowulf Today: Rewriting of the Epic in John Gardner´s Grendel

Abstract:

Tato bakalářská práce se zabývá současnou tendencí navracet se k dílům klasické literatury. Je rozdělena do tří kapitol. První je část teoretická, vysvětluje termín postmodernismus a zasazuje Gardnerův román Grendel do kontextu doby, popisuje vznik a nastiňuje pozadí eposu Béowulf. Druhá část rozebírá obě díla z hlediska pohledu na zásadní témata jako je odvaha, láska, pomsta, atd. Ukazuje, jak pohled vypravěče v Grendlovi a náboženský vliv v Béowulfovi může ovlivnit vyznění celého příběhu. Na konci práce je zařazeno shrnutí.

Abstract:

This bachelor paper deals with the recent tendency of rewriting works of classic literature. It is divided into three parts. The first one is theoretical and it explains the postmodern tendency and the context of Gardner´s novel Grendel, as well as the process of creation of the old Anglo-Saxon heroic epic Béowulf and its time. The second part analyses the same issues in both works such as fate, vengeance etc., and shows the differences made by the different points of view of the narrator in Grendel and by the strong religious influence in Béowulf. The third chapter is fully dedicated to the character of Grendel and his picture in the novel and epos.

Keywords

Béowulf, Grendel, Anglo-Saxon literature, postmodernism, rewriting of classic works, loneliness, postmodern hero

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 30. 6. 2010

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 2. 9. 2010
• Supervisor: PhDr. Ladislav Vít, Ph.D.

University of Pardubice

Faculty of Arts and Philosophy

Bachelor programme / field:
Philology / English for Business