ENG IV CHOICES

 Grendel by John Gardner

Grendel by John Gardner is a novel that retells the epic poem "Beowulf" from the perspective of the monster, Grendel. The story explores themes of existentialism, isolation, human nature, and the nature of good and evil.

In this novel, Grendel, a lonely and misunderstood creature, narrates his experiences living near a human settlement ruled by King Hrothgar. Grendel's encounters with humans, including the heroic warrior Beowulf, reveal his complex emotions and thoughts as he grapples with his place in the world and the actions of those around him.

As Grendel observes the flaws and contradictions of human society, he questions the meaning of his existence and the nature of morality. Through his interactions with various characters, including the dragon who offers him philosophical insights, Grendel confronts the inevitability of his own tragic fate.

"Grendel" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the blurred lines between good and evil, the search for identity and purpose, and the cyclical nature of violence and destruction. Gardner's novel challenges readers to reconsider traditional narratives and empathize with a character typically portrayed as a monstrous villain.

Through Grendel's introspective journey, the novel delves into the complexities of human nature, the limits of understanding, and the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate the darker aspects of the human experience.

*REQUIRED TEXT

E. M. Forster A Room with a View

This novel addresses the British class system. A Room with a View starts at an English

guesthouse in Florence. Lucy Honeychurch and her cousin Charlotte are among the guests and

are given a room with a view by the impulsive Emersons, George and his father. Lucy is the

central character, and she shortly witnesses a murder but is immediately comforted by George,

who later kisses her on an outing to the hills. The story then returns to England. This is not only a

wonderful love story, but also a first-rate tale of social comedy.

John Fowles The French Lieutenant’s Woman

This work is a novel of historical fiction. John Fowles wrote this in the late 1960’s, and in many

ways popularized the Victorian novel. The tale goes back and forth between a woman in

Victorian times, and one in modern America. It is filled with enchanting mysteries and is a

delightfully pleasant read.

Oscar Wilde The Picture of Dorian Gray

This novel’s central character is beautiful and irresistible. He is a superficial socialite with an

inflated ego. When his friend Basil Hallward paints his portrait, Gray expresses his wish that he

could stay forever as young and charming. His wish comes true. That is all I am going to reveal. 

Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities

This novel goes back and forth between England and France during the French Revolution. It

provides a look at Europe during a time of upheaval and change. This novel will provide a great

deal of historical information. This great book should be part of your personal canon. There are

characters here that you will never forget!

Charles Dickens Oliver Twist

Like A Christmas Carol, this is a classic “rags to riches” story set in Dickensian England.

Emily Bronte Wuthering Heights

This is a classic Gothic novel. The spooky and isolated English moors are the setting for this

story of Heathcliff, one of literature’s most fascinating and complex characters.

Charlotte Bronte Jane Eyre

Charlotte is Emily’s sister; there were three sisters, all writers—not an easy feat for the time.

This novel is a classic gothic story of the tragic governess, Jane, and the “Madwoman in the

Attic.” I will not give any more away.

Kazuo Ishiguro The Remains of the Day

This novel is a compelling portrait of the perfect English butler and of his fading, insular world

in postwar England. At the end of his three decades of service at Darlington Hall. Stevens, the

butler embarks on a country drive, during which he looks back over his career to reassure

himself that he has served humanity by serving a “great gentleman.” This is another tale about

 British class-consciousness 

Jane Austen Sense and Sensibility

The Dashwood sisters are the center of this lovely comedy of manners. Look up the rest. It is the

embodiment of the Jane Austen genre.

Robert Graves I, Claudius

A 1934 fascinating story about Ancient Rome and the decadence of some of the emperors.

Caligula will give you chills down your spine. Another one from which to enhance your

 historical knowledge 

Jane Austen Emma

Beautiful, clever, rich—and single—Emma Woodhouse is perfectly content with her life and

sees no need for either love or marriage. Nothing, however, delights her more than interfering in

the romantic lives of others. With the charming heroine and its witty subtle exploration of

relationships, Emma is often seen as Jane Austen’s most flawless work.

H.G. Wells The War of the Worlds

This work is one of the greatest early science fiction novels. It is a story of alien invasion, but so much more.

Aldous Huxley Brave New World

The genre here is dystopian society. The novel portrays “Utopia.” There is constant prosperity.

People are always content, as they are well provided for and have been programmed to like their

society in all respects. What can possibly be wrong with a world in which everybody is happy?

Read on and find out.

Thomas Hardy The Mayor of Casterbridge

The themes addressed here are the powerlessness of women and political corruption. Set in early

20th century England, the mayor, an amoral being, sells his daughter, and the action takes off

from there. A few other fine choices by Hardy are Jude the Obscure and The Return of the Native.

Virginia Woolf   Mrs. Dalloway

Mrs. Dalloway, through its depiction of Clarissa and Septimus, who can be seen as foils for each other, and of the political atmosphere in Britain during the 1920s, explores the fragmented yet fluid nature of time and the interconnectedness of perception and reality across individuals and social spheres.