Comparison Of Unferth And Beowulf

Throughout both writings, betrayal, anger and contempt are being expressed by the characters in different ways. In the excerpt about Unferth and Beowulf, Unferth demonstrates his jealousy and anger towards Beowulf by exposing him as not being strong enough to kill Grendel. In the other hand, Beowulf responded with contempt to Unferth, referring to him as an dishonorable soldier who killed his own brothers and don’t have the courage to confront Herot’s problems by himself. In the “Wife’s Lament” the woman also has an attitude of anger and rancor towards her husband, she finds herself in a dark stage and she feels alone. First, Unferth intents to exhibit Beowulf by relating what he had heard of him. “...for seven nights you both toiled in the water; but Brecca outstayed you, he was stronger; and then, on the eighth morning, the sea washed him up on the shores of the Heathoreams” (434). He aim to tell that if Beowulf had lost a swimming contest, how would it be possible that he could kill a monster like Grendel? “So I am sure you will pay a heavy price--although you have survived countless battle storms, savage sword-play--If you dare ambush Grendel in the watches of the night” (442). He mentions that Beowulf have might survive plenty battle, but …show more content…
“In this manner, and many times, loathsome monsters harassed me fiercely; with my fine sword I served them fittingly” (477). Beowulf says that he did lose the contest, but it was because he was killing sea monsters in the meantime. “As it was I slew nine sea beast with my sword” (492). Beowulf states that no man has the ability and the strength to swim and to kill beasts the way he does. He also exposes Unferth and says that he is not an honorable soldier that could judge other brave soldier as Beowulf, since if he was as capable and determined as he claimed, Grendel would not be attacking