Monsters in Society
Somebody Nobody
The antihero, Grendel, is seen as a monster and is isolated from the world of men.
Objective: Compare this text to Dickinson’s “I’m Nobody! Who are You?” and Homer’s The Odyssey to formulate a theme statement about life.
I’m Nobody! Who are You? By Emily Dickinson
I’m Nobody! Who are you?
Are you - Nobody - too?
Then there’s a pair of us!
Don’t tell! They’d advertise - you know!
How dreary - to be - Somebody!
How public - like a Frog -
To tell one’s name - the livelong June -
To an admiring Bog!
The Odyssey by Homer
The Odyssey is a Greek epic poem telling the story of Odysseus’s journey home after the Trojan War. This episode is about his and his soldiers’ encounter with the Cyclops, Polyphemus. They are trapped in the Cyclops’ cave. Before all his men are eaten, Odysseus formulates an escape plan. It hinges on the name Nohbdy.
The oil painting “Cyclops”by Odilon Redon
Task
Grendel is an intelligent monster. He is symbolic of the evil that exists in all men. In spite of this, he feels the need to be a part of society. Imagine a discussion between the speaker in Dickinson’s poem, Odysseus, and Grendel about the need to be accepted. Your analysis should include a focus on diction, particularly the word nobody.
Compose a short poem, from Grendel’s point of view, reflecting your analysis.
Final draft is due by end of class on Friday. Illustration adds bonus points.
Mr. Warren will determine points and grade.
Resources
The Odyssey by Homer
https://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-Homer/dp/0374525749
Movie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S_l12WM_KM
Reflection
Are you a Somebody or a Nobody?
Where do you put yourself? On a separate paper, write a reflection about what you’ve learned about this idea. Think about the positive aspect (Dickinson), the (possibly lifesaving) Nobhdy of Osysseus, and the need to be part of society, no matter what (evil) of Grendel.
Staple your reflection(s) to your poem final draft.