As encounters between people occur memories or moments that may impact one’s future are created. In Frankenstein by Mary Shelly and Grendel by John Gardner encounters between characters help develop and progress the story. The relationships between the major and the minor characters in Frankenstein and Grendel help illuminate the themes of lost innocence, isolation, and power.
In Frankenstein, Shelly develops Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a monster, through the loss of his mother, which results in the loss of his innocence. The death of his mother causes him to become obsessed with the “mysteries of creation,” which is demonstrated in his endeavors at university in Germany. Victor’s fixation becomes evident when he explains that “so much has been done… more, far more, will I achieve; treading in the steps already marked; I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation.” Dr. Frankenstein’s fascination with life and death steers him to create life from severed body parts of the deceased which have unfavorable results that demonstrate the detrimental effects of losing a loved one.
Gardner also presents the loss of innocence in Grendel through the development of Grendel (the beast), the major
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The dragon is able to manipulate Grendel into using a charm to become more powerful by telling him that he improves and stimulates the people by attacking them, making them think and scheme. After Grendel is charmed he is “born again [as] Grendel, Ruiner of Meadhalls, Wrecker of Kings,” but he was also alone. This illustrates the fallacy of power equating to happiness. The power the monster develops eventually leads to his death, as Beowulf, the leader of the humans’ tribe, displays his physical and intellectual mastery over Grendel when he tears off his