The Correlation Between a Minor Character and the Entirety of a Poem’s Plot
Minor characters are not significantly accentuated in order to indirectly unveil an idea or highlight a concept. A character is introduced into a plot with an intended purpose— whether it be to serve as a foil or a confidante, he or she proves to be essential to the story in total. The poem Beowulf, details the story of a courageous warrior from the Geats (which is today Modern Sweden) who travels to aid Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, whose kingdom is being attacked by Grendel, a god-cursed monster. To demonstrate his immense strength, Beowulf successfully defeats Grendel with his bare hands. However, as revenge, Grendel's mother is on a journey to attack Beowulf, as he did to her son. As the story progresses, Beowulf competes in two more battles, and progressingly achieves fame and glory by all. Although not directly stated, Unferth is pivotal to Beowulf’s plot through serving as a foil to Beowulf, enhancing Beowulf’s heroic attributes, and in contrast, committing a generous act towards Beowulf in relation to his battle with Grendel’s mother.
Moreover, Unferth is proven vital to the poem by acting as a foil to Beowulf. Unferth, in contrast to Beowulf, is a warrior for his tribe, the …show more content…
Unferth depicts the complete counter of the heroic code. Unferth is known for the murdering of his own brothers. Beowulf in an attempt to insult Unferth, reminds him: "You killed your own kith and kin" (587). In the case of Anglo-Saxon times, it was deemed acceptable for one to boast over his or his accomplishments. Gloating was considered a distinct way of establishing one’s reputation. However, in contrast to the idea of heightening one’s reputation, speaking down upon others was, and still is today, seen an inappropriate. When Unferth begins to challenge Beowulf, he is displaying what is seen as unethical
Minor characters are not significantly accentuated in order to indirectly unveil an idea or highlight a concept. A character is introduced into a plot with an intended purpose— whether it be to serve as a foil or a confidante, he or she proves to be essential to the story in total. The poem Beowulf, details the story of a courageous warrior from the Geats (which is today Modern Sweden) who travels to aid Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, whose kingdom is being attacked by Grendel, a god-cursed monster. To demonstrate his immense strength, Beowulf successfully defeats Grendel with his bare hands. However, as revenge, Grendel's mother is on a journey to attack Beowulf, as he did to her son. As the story progresses, Beowulf competes in two more battles, and progressingly achieves fame and glory by all. Although not directly stated, Unferth is pivotal to Beowulf’s plot through serving as a foil to Beowulf, enhancing Beowulf’s heroic attributes, and in contrast, committing a generous act towards Beowulf in relation to his battle with Grendel’s mother.
Moreover, Unferth is proven vital to the poem by acting as a foil to Beowulf. Unferth, in contrast to Beowulf, is a warrior for his tribe, the …show more content…
Unferth depicts the complete counter of the heroic code. Unferth is known for the murdering of his own brothers. Beowulf in an attempt to insult Unferth, reminds him: "You killed your own kith and kin" (587). In the case of Anglo-Saxon times, it was deemed acceptable for one to boast over his or his accomplishments. Gloating was considered a distinct way of establishing one’s reputation. However, in contrast to the idea of heightening one’s reputation, speaking down upon others was, and still is today, seen an inappropriate. When Unferth begins to challenge Beowulf, he is displaying what is seen as unethical