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Beowulf: Unferth, The Same Martyr - College Essays

Beowulf: Unferth, The Same Martyr

John Gardner introduces the reader of Grendel to an intimate side of
Unferth unseen in the epic poem Beowulf. In Grendel we behold what a pathetic,
sniveling wimp Unferth has become. In Beowulf all that we see is a jealous
bastard. Why did Gardner make the character of Unferth so different from the
original depiction? He didn't. The only change in Unferth from Beowulf to
Grendel is his realistic characterization in Grendel.
After the drunken Danes give Beowulf his warm welcome, Unferth unleashes
his anger in an attack on Beowulf. This petty proclamation which points out
Beowulf's not-so triumphant swimming contest with Brecca, shows the reader (or
listener) that Unferth is nothing ...

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to Herot
either.
All during the first year of Grendel's siege, the smell of apples fresh
in the air, Unferth tries to be the Grendel's martyr. Oh the heroic Unferth who
died trying to save the people of Herot. Unfortunately he never got to die, not
even dressed up as a goat, a pig or an elderly women. This continuing life of
impotence lead Unferth to an immense sense of bitterness. Poor Unferth to be at
a beast's mercy for twelve years only to have Beowulf disembowel Grendel in one
night.
On the beach as Beowulf is about detach mama's head from her body,
Unferth gives Beowulf his sword in a touching moment of peace between Beowulf
and Unferth. Well that is not quite right. This touching moment is Unferth's
last attempt at contributing to his beloved Herot. If he can't kill the beast
at least his sword can. Unferth is reaching for martyrdom. Unferth never
redeems himself as a hero no matter how unselfish or heroic he was as he handed
over his beloved sword. Unferth would ...

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Beowulf: Unferth, The Same Martyr. (2006, September 2). Retrieved April 20, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Beowulf-Unferth-The-Same-Martyr/51738

"Beowulf: Unferth, The Same Martyr." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 2 Sep. 2006. Web. 20 Apr. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Beowulf-Unferth-The-Same-Martyr/51738>

"Beowulf: Unferth, The Same Martyr." Essayworld.com. September 2, 2006. Accessed April 20, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Beowulf-Unferth-The-Same-Martyr/51738.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 9/2/2006 10:45:08 AM
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 488
Pages: 2

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