Question

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. Grendel defeats Beowulf in the battle and presents his head to the king.
C. Unferth challenges Beowulf again, and the two fight to the death.
D. The king double-crosses Beowulf by telling Grendel of the plan.

Answer 1

The situation where Unferth challenges Beowulf again, leading to a fight to the death, is thematically consistent with the themes of heroism, rivalry, and honor in Beowulf.

Step-by-step explanation:

You asked which of the following situations would fit thematically with the story of Beowulf:

1. Beowulf falls in love with a Scylding maiden and leaves without fighting Grendel.
2. Grendel defeats Beowulf in the battle and presents his head to the king.
3. Unferth challenges Beowulf again, and the two fight to the death.
4. The king double-crosses Beowulf by telling Grendel of the plan.

Thematically, the most fitting scenario for the story of Beowulf would be Option C, which states 'Unferth challenges Beowulf again, and the two fight to the death.' This is because the themes of heroism, rivalry, and the proving of one's honor through combat are central to the epic. The other options either show Beowulf as failing, which contrasts with his heroic persona, or introduce plot elements like romance or deceit that are not aligned with the key themes of the narrative.

Answer 2

I would have to guess that C. Unferth challenges Beowulf again, and the two fight to the death. There is no way that Beowulf would ever give up a good fight for any reason, especially for a maiden. Grendel could not defeat Beowulf for Beowulf must still fight Grendel's mother and the dragon, nor would Grendel venture into the kingdom so openly. The king needs Beowulf to save them from Grendel so he would not double-cross him.