Well, I'm going to take a chance that we're looking at the
same text. (Next time perhaps include which version of the text you're using or maybe
include some other information which would ensure you get exactly what you're looking
for.)
These pages in my book are those in which Beowulf
arrives and introduces himself to Hrothgar. Beowulf is nothing if he's not bold, so he
boldly introduces both himself and his mission to the King. Not surprisingly, Beowulf
recieves an enthusistic greeting and we hear that his reputation as a good man and a
fine warrior have already reached the Danes. So far, so
good.
Then Beowulf asks for what he calls one simple
thing:
"That
I, alone and with the help of my men,May purge all evil
from this hall. I have heard,Too, that the monster's
scorn of menIs so great that he needs no weapons and fears
none.Nor will I....My
handsAlone shall fight for me, struggle for
lifeAgainst the
monster."
This is where
Beowulf really starts to sound arrogant. Most of the people in the hall are willing to
overlook that in their desire to be rid of Grendel. There is one, though, who is not
impressed with the boastful Beowulf. Unferth, in a drunken, angry speech, asks
this:
"You're
Beowulf, are you--the sameBoastful fool who fought a
swimmingMatch with Brecca, both of you
daringAnd young and proud, exploring the
deepestSeas, risking your lives for no
reasonBut the
danger?"
Beowulf's answer is
truthful, I'm sure, but he also sounds boastful and arrogant as he recounts what really
happened in this incident with Brecca and as he puts Unferth in his place, calling him a
coward and a murderer of his own brother.
So, the
impression we have of Beowulf as he arrives at the hall and explains himself to Hrothgar
is one of a man who is awfully sure of himself, boastful, and probably a little crazy to
want to take on this monster with nothing but his bare hands. If we're the people in
the hall, though, we don't care; in fact, we hope he's right so we can go back to living
our peaceful lives.
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