Final answer:
The Geatish warriors considered Beowulf weak and an uncompromising prince before he was honored by Hygelac. Their viewpoint reflects a tendency to judge based on appearance rather than true worth. Option d) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Geatish warriors initially perceived Beowulf as a feeble and unyielding prince, forming a skewed opinion of his character and bravery. It was only after Beowulf received honors from Hygelac that their perspective underwent a transformative shift. This initial misjudgment underscores a cultural inclination within their society to assess individuals superficially, placing undue emphasis on appearances rather than delving into the true essence of a person.
The Geatish warriors' tendency to deem Beowulf as weak suggests an overarching cultural bias favoring attributes such as physical strength and youthful vigor. This prevailing mindset underscores a societal inclination to prioritize outward traits, potentially overshadowing the more nuanced qualities that contribute to a person's worth and capabilities.
Moreover, the warriors' inclination to make hasty judgments without a comprehensive understanding of Beowulf's character reflects a broader cultural tendency to rely on surface-level impressions. This propensity to draw conclusions hastily may stem from cultural norms that prioritize swift evaluations over a nuanced comprehension of an individual's abilities and virtues. Beowulf's journey, from initial misperception to eventual recognition, highlights the complex interplay between cultural biases and the genuine worth of an individual, challenging the notion that one's true character can be accurately gauged based solely on outward appearances.