Letter to Beowulf Addressing Major Themes
Letter to Beowulf Addressing Major Themes
I am writing to praise you on your courage and self- confidence. However, sometimes this self-confidence and boastfulness went to an unwanted extreme. For example, your encounter with Unferth, Ecglaf’s son was not a successful one. Unferth challenges your heroic deeds by mentioning and questioning your race with Brecca. He is obviously trying to humiliate you and lower your reputation in front of the hall. In this situation, only the clarification of what actually happened was needed. It was not necessary to say, “But the truth is simple: no man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine (line 531-534)”These lines are very offensive, not only to Unferth but also to other great warriors. These lines are not warrior-like but when carried to a further extreme, you may be viewed as conceited or obnoxious.
Besides these words, you also mentioned,” I’ve heard no tales of you, Unferth, telling of such clashing terror, such contests in the night! (Lines 580-581) Ecglaf’s proud son, if your hands were as hard, your heart as fierce as you think it, no fool would dare to raid your hall, ruin Herot and oppress its prince, as Grendel has done. But he’s learned that terror in his alone, discovered he can come for you people with no fear. (Line593-595).” In these lines you are directly implying that Unferth is a coward. A coward who does not have the courage, strength, or ability to risk his life in battles or in races. In these lines you are clearly mocking Unferth by pointing out his helplessness against Grendel, letting him riot through the city killing the Danes. It is not the cleverest idea to make enemies in a country that you’ve just landed, especially when hospitality is given.
From you’re perceptive, it is understandable that you, as a warrior would rather be killed, dying with an heroic deed than to run or hide. However was it necessary to take off your armor? Although it is known that your strengths reach an extreme, it not an excellent idea to fight bare handed, after all Grendel has been undefeatable.
I hope you did not take this letter offensively. It is clearly written to remind you of who you are and as a result, how you are supposed to act. Pride, confidence and praise are needed, however,...