In the novel Grendel, by John Gardner, the author associates each chapter with a different astrological sign, such as Aries, Gemini and Sagittarius, not only for reinforce the role of nature in the story, but also to better chronologize Grendel's growth and withdrawal in his philosophical development. Moreover, this designation even imitates what he struggles to grasp: the knowledge of the continuation of the universe without him after his death, even if his world has ended. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Beginning the novel with the first sign, Aries, Gardner introduces the stereotypical trait of cyclical thinking. The ram, which is the symbol for Aries, indicates the arrival of another spring, prompting Grendel to lash out as he finds himself trapped in an "endless progression of moon and stars" (p. 5) . Not only does the "cyclical" trait indicate that Grendel is frustrated by the endless loop he feels stuck in, but it also indicates, with the mention of "the moon and stars", clues to the reader about the use of signs as a vehicle to communicate Grendel's own cycle, from existentialist to empiricist to nihilist and back again. In other words, the claim that Grendel's existence is, in itself, the very circular and repetitive process that he hates. The reader journeys with Grendel through his experiences and phases of philosophical thought. From his realization that he “alone creates the universe, blink” (p. 22) after being attacked by the Taurus bull – inaugurating his stay in an existential state of mind – to his head “ dividing itself” (p. 44) into dual realities under Gemini. This division within him – a creation of the symbol for Gemini, the twins – is used to illustrate the fervor and inner turmoil he feels as he is torn between this new existentialism and the inviting religious lies the Shaper brings. The Shaper, a harp player who sings of a loving God to the Danes, the residents of young King Hrothgar's mead hall, is also a demonstration of those quick-witted and gently eloquent Gemini traits which he uses to trap subjects under power. the pleasant lies of a benevolent force that causes all things to happen for a reason; allowing emotional humans to feel that their struggles are not in vain. Grendel, however, his cold and inhuman audience, finds himself stuck somewhere between the notions of the inanimate, unfeeling universe he feels he has come to know and a paternal, caring, Cancer-like God, painted by this man who nourishes and nourishes through false hopes. — what he discovers, he has the capacity to will it and allow himself to be seduced, just as the Danes do and can do. Later in the novel, when Grendel has accepted his role as a "Destroyer" (p. 72-73) and a nihilist, two ideas presented to him by the Lion-like Dragon, he initiates himself as such by making havoc in the mead. During this attack, the reader suddenly finds himself in a grave realization that Grendel's life will soon end; a sudden deviation that takes them away from their old point of view that they shared with him. Under the sign of Sagittarius, whose image is an archer, Grendel sees a Scylding hunter felling a deer with a bow and arrow, foreshadowing his own impending demise. The demolition of his philosophical growth is also brought about by encounters with false priests who preach religion but practice nothing – representative of the centaur (the half-man, half-horse beast) who is the archer of Sagittarius..