Examples Of Unferth In Beowulf

In Beowulf, Unferth portrays a condescending, jealous man with an arrogant, self- righteous attitude. In other words Unferth believes no one in the kingdom qualifies to receive anymore glory or honor than he, himself has: “And sharp (vexed by Beowulf’s adventure,/ By their visitor’s courage, and angry that anyone/ In Denmark or anywhere on earth had ever/ Acquired glory and fame greater/ Than his own)” (Beowulf 235). Unferth continues to patronize Beowulf in a condescending manner.”You’re Beowulf, are you—the same/ Boastful fool who fought a swimming/ Match with Brecca” (Beowulf 240). As the conversation between the two progresses, Unferth states “You’ve been lucky in your battles, Beowulf, but I think/ Your luck may change if you challenge Grendel” (Beowulf 258). In the novel, the author places Unferth only briefly in the story, however the reader manages to make assumptions as to what character Unferth truly is, an arrogant self righteous man. In Grendel, Unferth characterizes a snivelling, cowardly, bitter man driven by the idea of heroism. In the beginning, as Grendel introduces Unferth, he demonstrates the actions of a child getting angry at Grendel for not killing him. The novel states “he lives on
I didn’t know how deep the pool was. I had a chance. I knew I had no more than that. It’s all a hero asks for” (Gardener 89). Unferth talks with Beowulf towards the end, although it does not work out for Unferth the way he hopes “He took a deep breath. He would try to be a better person, yes. He forced a smile, but it was twisted out of his control. Tears! He got up suddenly and, without a word, walked out” (Gardner 164). In Grendel, John Gardner weaves Unferth throughout the novel a great deal more the reader manages see just how cowardly and driven by the idea of