Dialectical Journal

Pg. 35 line 517 "You vied for seven nights; and then he outswam you, came ashore the stronger contendor." "No one has ever outlasted an entire night against Grendal."

Unferth says these things to Beowulf, the first one about a seven day swim against someone else. He says Beowulf lost. And the second one shows that he has little faith in Beowulf or just that he is jealous. Both times he is taunting, or flinting him. Beowulf then shuts him down and proves he is a pathetic liar. Unferth shows what a warrior is no supposed to be; a liar, envious, a coward, and a kin killer. Beowulf is the oppposite of Unferth.


Pg 41 lines 607-631

Even though Wealtheow is the Queen of the Danes she still has to serve the men in the mead hall. This represents the theme of The role of Women. It doesn't matter that she is the queen, she is still treated worse that other people. She is also a peace pledge which makes her a symbol of peace.


Pg. 53 line 801 "no blade on earth, no blacksmith's art could ever damage their opponent."

Grendal has the mark of Kain, he is cursed by god and cannot be killed by the men's arms. This represents the theme of good vs. evil. Kain was evil and his offspring payed the prince by being cursed by god who is "good" and is trying to make justice.


Pg. 45 line 669 "And the Geat places complete trust in his strength of limb and the Lord's favour."

Beowulf is not worried, he has trust in the strength God gave him.
Grendal was cursed by god, and weapons cannot kill him. If Grendal cannot be killed by anything except Beowulf, does that mean Beowulf is blessed by god?


Pg. 57 line 850 "...drowned out his life and his heathen soul: hell claimed him there."

Grendal lives at his swamp because he is a cursed monster. He lives his life like that, not being able to enjoy regular human things. He goes back to his swamp to die and is taken to hell, his swamp could represent a hell on earth. Where the cursed, condemned monsters live until someone finally kills them.