1. Postmodernism in Literature

2. What is it? Movement began around/after WWII
Reaction to Modernism (revolution against tradition)
Difficult to define
Inconsistent and contradictory
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How do these characteristics apply to the novel Grendel?

3. Basic Premises Claims there is NO TRUTH
The truths of human nature and society actually change throughout the course of history
NOTHING retains meaning
Skepticism
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Consider: How does Grendel change the meaning of human nature and society from that which we see in Beowulf?

4. Basic Premises Attack against theory and methodology
Identifies, questions and breaks down thought paradigms
Paradigm is an example that serves as a pattern or model for something
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Who uses theory and paradigms in Grendel?
Where in the novel does Grendel destroy a theory or paradigm for the humans?

5. Deconstruction Deconstruction is a form of literary analysis
Identifies hierarchies and presuppositions of a work of literature
Examines what the text does NOT say
Creates multiple interpretations so that there is no finality or completion, a reader cannot finish or attain closure
No unity, every interpretation is neither right nor wrong
Interpretation is introspective and anti-objective, self-indulgent subjectivity
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Does the character Grendel use deconstruction in the novel? How so? Can you give an example?

6. Nihilism Total rejection of social conventions and beliefs
Belief that nothing is worthwhile
Disbelief in objective truth
Belief in destruction of authority
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How is Grendel nihilistic?

7. Rejecting Rationalism (modernist idea)
thought and action should be governed by reason
reason and logic are primary sources of knowledge and truth and should be relied on in search for and testing the truth of things
Rejection—Rationalism is a myth, bias affects everything
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To what theme does this notion connect?
When and where does Grendel try to use rationalism? When and where does he reject it?

8. Problem of Identity Search for identity, but it is impossible to grasp
Identity changes—not consistent
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How does this apply to the character Grendel in the novel?

9. Helpful websites Post Modernism & It’s Critics
Mapping Modernism and Postmodernism
Comparing Postmoderism, Modernism and Theism