John Gardner's novel "Grendel" which parallels the epic poem Beowulf.

"The cynic is one who never sees a good quality in a man, and never fails to see a bad one. He is a human owl, vigilant in darkness, and blind to light, mousing for vermin, and never seeing noble game" (Henry Beecher). In John Gardner's novel Grendel, a modern twist on the epic poem Beowulf, the Dragon epitomizes this definition of cynicism. Mr. Dragon harbors scorn towards his "inferiors" and therefore uses mockery and …

…twisted jokes, and his ability to read minds and see into the future. Such "low" creatures as people bring out clear signs of contempt and amusement in the Dragon. He never fails to take advantage of his superiority to taunt and belittle others, as this lets him release his despisement. Mr. Dragon truly is the "one who never sees a good quality in a man, and never fails to see a bad one" (Henry Beecher).