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Even though they did not take place in the story, which of the following situations would fit the story of Beowulf thematically?

A. Beowulf falls in love with a Scylding maiden and leaves without fighting Grendel.
B. Beowulf brags about his great deeds before returning home.
C. Beowulf and Grendel meet and negotiate a truce.
D. The king double-crosses Beowulf by telling Grendel of the plan.

2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

The situation that would fit the story of Beowulf thematically is Beowulf bragging about his great deeds before returning home, as boasting is in line with the heroic culture depicted in the epic.

Step-by-step explanation:

Within the thematic scope of Beowulf, the situation that would fit is option B: Beowulf brags about his great deeds before returning home. Bragging or boasting is a common element in heroic literature, exemplified through the mead hall scenes where warriors would recount their brave deeds. This tradition is known as flyting and is a thematic match to the boasting Beowulf does in the story of his swimming match with Breca and his confident speech to Hrothgar, in which he vows to defeat Grendel or die trying. In contrast, options A, C, and D veer away from the themes of heroism, honor, and valor that are central to the story of Beowulf.

User Probocop
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5 votes

Hrothgar asks Beowulf to join him in a raid on a rival kingdom.

User PhilB
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