Why Hamlet and Grendel Should Become Friends

As we begin to read new novels and plays in class, it has become a subconscious habit for me to compare each new character to protagonists and antagonists of previous works. The same is the case with Hamlet, and as we analyzed Hamlet’s character traits in class, I could not help but notice as strong connection with John Gardner’s Grendel (the character). What first stood out to me was both characters’ isolation from their respective society. They both appear to be cast out for their difference. At the same time, however, they both evoke a sense of enlightened state. Whether it is through Grendel’s commentary, or Hamlet’s first soliloquy, both characters show signs of a deeper intelligence or awareness regarding their surroundings and those around them. This fact is especially apparent through their tendency to judge people. Grendel was notorious for watching the Danes, forming judgments about individuals’ characters. Similarly, Hamlet’s soliloquy reveals that he too is forming judgments. He compares Claudius to a satyr, not worthy of the throne, almost a disgrace when compared to his father, a sun god. He also judges his mother for re-marrying only two months after his father’s death, condemning her for her frailty and incestuous act. It is important to note that in both cases, we are allowed to see into each character’s mind while left to wonder about the deeper motives of others. Both characters are also severed from their respective parental figures. Grendel has no real father. As he comes to age and begins to explore, he falls victim to his curiosity. He is trapped in a twisted tree and is attacked by a bull and then by the animosity of man. At this point he loses the feeling of protection he once felt from his mother when he becomes aware of his alone-ness in the world. Hamlet’s father and idol is killed in battle. Two months later his mother re-marries and he loses all respect for her. While he still obeys her wishes (when she asks him to stay close), he is now unable to speak to her. Like Grendel, he too now finds himself robbed of parental figures on which he can rely. Hamlet can be perceived as a very sensitive character. He reacts strongly to emotions, as can be seen in the outrage of his soliloquy. This same trait is found with Grendel at a similarly early point in the novel, before he is introduced to the dragon’s nihilism. Grendel too was a highly emotional character, sometimes compared to an angry teen throwing fits.  Finally, the greatest similarity between Grendel and Hamlet is found in the nature of their conflicts. Both characters are faced with a strong inner conflict that is at the center of their anger and isolation. Of course, at only the third scene of the first act out of five, it is still very early in Hamlet to make such a heavy judgment on his character. My observations will likely be contradicted in many ways as we penetrate further into the play. We will just have to find out!