Question

Beowulf begins with the funeral of a beloved ruler:Often Scyld Scefing seized mead-benchesfrom enemy troops, from many a clan;he terrified warriors, even though first he was founda waif, helpless. For that came a remedy,he grew under heaven, prospered in honorsuntil every last one of the bordering nationsbeyond the whale-road had to heed himpay him tribute He was a good king!The author most likely uses this setting to develop which theme?

A. The fashion of the time period
B. The despair of those in mourning
C. The anger of old people
D. The importance of noble deeds

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

D. The importance of noble deeds.

Explanation:

Beowulf is one of the greatest literary works of English Literature, first written in old english; it is a heroic narrative about Scandinavian people during the 6th century.

Scyld Scefing, also known as Shield Sheafson was first king of the Danes, the anonymous writer opens the story talking about Scyld to commemorate him as the first great King, the founder of the royal line (he is the father of Beow and grandfather of Halfdane, and great grandfather of the King Hrothgar), and to acknowledge the importance of noble deeds. Scyld Scefing was loved among his people because he cared for them, he gave them prosperity, food, wealth and clothing. Scefing went to war on behalf of his people and took control of civilizations that helped them create Danes, in return the people in his kingdom were loyal to him, and after his death they honored and paid him tribute.

Answer 2

The author uses this setting to develop (D.) the importance of noble deeds.

Beowulf starts with the story of a legendary hero: Scyld Scefing. In this exposition, the author emphasizes the main qualities of this warrior by presenting him as the ideal ruler and the founder of the royal dynasty of the Danes. Moreover, he is admired by his generosity, his courage ("he terrified warriors") and his achievements, which, according to the author, were noble deeds. The writer underlines the importance of these noble deeds when he refers to the remedy he receives in exchange for being a good king. The remedy that the author talks about is prosperity.