Story Of Unferth's Actions example essay topic

"The thermometer of success is merely the jealousy of the malcontents". These words of wisdom, spoken by Salvador Dali, can be directly related to the basis of the relationship between Beowulf and his foil, Unferth, in both the epic poem Beowulf, and John Gardner's novel Grendel. When comparing these two pieces of literature, many connections amongst the two are apparent. One of the most prominent of these connections between the works, is the portrayal of an important character, Unferth. Unferth, whose name means strife or mar-peace, is the son of Ecglef and a member of Hrothgar's court.

He was said to have killed his own brother, which, if true, is the worst crime possible to commit in accordance with the Anglo-Saxon system of belief. Despite this fact, in the original poem, Unferth was said to have been a well-respected warrior and hero. This remains true, until Hrothgar and his kingdom are faced with attacks from Grendel, and are forced to rely on the heroic actions of the outsider, Beowulf, for aid. It is at this point that the reader is shown the depth of the jealous and envious nature of Unferth. In the original Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf, the reader sees Unferth as being pompous, arrogant, and very jealous. In this way, he is acting as a foil for Beowulf.

He is used, in this novel, to highlight the bravery and merit of Beowulf to it's fullest potential, by comparing their accomplishments as well as their attitude, thus enhancing Beowulf's character. Also, his role in this work is not nearly as significant as his role in Gardner's novel. There are very few opportunities in which the actions or thoughts of Unferth can be analyzed. This is evident in the reader's the first encounter with this man. Upon the arrival of Beowulf and the Gets, the Danes welcome him warmly and with fervor, that is, everyone except Unferth. Unferth, whom has grown accustomed to being the picture of heroic valor, and the "hometown hero", immediately feels threatened by Beowulf and his boasting.

Over the years, Beowulf had earned the reputation of a famed and highly regarded warrior. However, once in his youth, Beowulf was said to have been beaten in battle. Over the years, Unferth has heard the story of Beowulf's defeat by Breca. Unferth uses the opportunity to defecate Beowulf's name and courageous actions by telling to all at Hrothgar's mead hall, the tale of Beowulf's so-called failure. Beowulf accuses the storyteller that his claims are false and that he has drunk too much mead.

"Well friend Unferth, you have had your say about Breca and me, but it was mostly beer that was doing the talking" (lines 530-532). Beowulf then tells his version of the story, which includes more brave acts than originally were heard. "Further, he taunts Unferth with having failed to destroy Grendel himself and of having killed his own brother. Unferth, son of Ecglef, is there upon silenced" (Bloomfield 158). In the final scene that Unferth is mentioned, the reader sees Unferth giving to Beowulf a sword. This sword, Hunting, is a sign of reconciliation and submission (Bonjour 129).

"The is the story of Unferth's actions. He first poured scorn upon Beowulf to discredit him and then finally is brought to recognize a superior being" (Bloomfield 159). Basically, once Unferth has come to realize that Beowulf deserved respect for his actions, Unferth tried to show his admiration for him by offering Beowulf the use of his sword. In Grendel, by John Gardner, the reader is shown the same tragic story, yet from a different perspective. We are shown the story of Beowulf from the monster's point of view: through Grendel's eyes. It is when reading this novel, that the reader truly begins to understand the real thought process of Unferth.

Unferth is depicted as more of a major character in this work. He is seen more fully and more realistically. No longer is he a minor character; in fact, aside from Grendel himself, Unferth is the most defined character in Gardner's book (Bonjour 157). Unferth is no longer seen as being quite so "hero-like", which he was at some point, but more so a pathetic tired, old man. In his expanded role, Unferth takes on a whole new personality. Unferth thinks merely of himself.

He cares not for what is best for the people and the kingdom, he is more concerned with himself and his future. In Grendel, he is seen trying to kill the monster that wreaks waste on the mead hall, but this is being done for a purely selfish reason. He wants to make sure he is still able to fight, and if he is to die, he wanted to go into death bravely defending Herot. To die with honor and without cowardice is considered to be desirable way of death in Anglo-Saxon culture. "Unferth tries to be the Grendel's martyr, the heroic Unferth who died trying to save the people of Herot.

Unfortunately he never got the chance. This continuing life of impotence led to a immense amount of bitterness, to be at the beast's mercy for twelve years only to have Beowulf disembowel Grendel in one night" (Malone 141). Even had Beowulf not come along, Grendel would have not killed Unferth. Grendel was amused by Unferth and his thought process. No matter how hard Unferth attempted to kill Grendel, Grendel never lifted a hand to him.

This was done for the sole reason this is what frustrated Unferth the most. "He [Unferth] lives on bitter, feebly attempting my midnight raids from time to time, crazy with shame that he alone is always spared, and furiously jealous of the dead. I laugh when I see him. So much for heroism" (Gardner 90).

In Grendel, the giving of the sword from Unferth to Beowulf is seen a little differently than in Beowulf as well. In this novel, the giving of the sword is not necessarily seen as a gift of truce or respect, but one again, for a selfish reason. "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" (Malone 145). Unferth would never be able to be a hero again no matter what he did.

His only chance at heroism was to be killed while confronting Grendel in his cave. But that attempt for "inner-Heroism" will never be able to be fulfilled because Grendel refused to "lay a hand on him" (Malone 161). Finally, it is interesting to see how one character can be portrayed so differently by two different authors and points of view. By using Unferth in this way, the reader is really able to see his full character and all his strengths, weaknesses, and flaws. Characteristic, such as jealously, that reoccurred in both novels help to show what was each writer really felt was important.

By connecting these two novels together, the story of Beowulf and the analysis of characters were easier to comprehend and observe..