(1) It was believed that if a hero showed fear, acted without honor, or allowed others to discredit him, then he was no longer a hero. (2) In this ancient poem the main character says he would rather die than fail in his endeavor to defeat the monster Grendel. (3) The self-assurance indicated by this statement shows that the character is a hero.
(4) Unferth raises doubts about Beowulf’s ability to defeat Grendel by pointing out that Beowulf lost a swimming match with Brecca. (5) This challenge sets the stage for Beowulf to defend his reputation. (6) Drawing himself up to his full heigthe sturdily built warrior casts a steely gaze around the room, letting his fierce gray eyes rest on each one in the great hall. (7) When the force of his personality has quieted the rumble of voices, Beowulf begins the defense of his reputation. (8) First, he discredits Unferth by implying that Unferth’s challenge was prompted by the ale he has been drinking. (9) Stretching his sinewy arm out toward Unferth, Beowulf says, though “your tongue has tried/To tell us about Brecca’s doings,” it has failed. (10) Arching an expressive, bushy eyebrow, Beowulf looks around at his audience, pleased with the scattered laughter his first rhetorical point has elicited.

(11) As Beowulf moves to his second point, a confident smile softens the severity of his expression. (12) Clearly relishing his role as his own advocate, Beowulf crosses his beefy arms across his chest and says that he is a good swimmer. (13) Even though he knew he could outswim Brecca, he swam beside the man for five days, “[u]ntil a flood swept us apart.” (14) In his telling of the tale, Beowulf appears larger than life, for only a good warrior could have survived the “savage” waves. (15) Almost as though it were an afterthought, Beowulf mentions that the storm awoke nine slumbering monsters, all of whom he defeated. (16) With a dismissive shake of his hand, he asserts that “Brecca’s battles were never so bold,” refuting Unferth’s implication that Beowulf is unsuited to the task of defeating Grendel. (17) Combined with the tale of his defeat of sea monsters and the sea itself, Beowulf’s commanding presence and his rhetorical flourishes mesmerize the audience, including the king and queen.

(18) For his third point, Beowulf challenges Unferth in a manner that is calculated to deter others who might try to enhance their own reputations at the expense of Beowulf.

(19) Standing in the center of the great hall, Beowulf contrasts himself with Unferth.

(20) Addressing Unferth but stretching his hand out toward his audience and pivoting to face each warrior, Beowulf says, “I’ve heard/No tales of you” in which Unferth showed such honor, strength, and courage. (21) This wounding point denies Unferth heroic stature and undermines Unferth’s attempt to damage Beowulf’s reputation as warrior hero. (22) The way Beowulf has played his audience, quieting them with a mere look and rousing them to laughter at his opponent’s expense, confirms his status as hero.

(23) Answering Unferth’s challenge with the supreme confidence of a successful champion, Beowulf persuades his audience that his courage and strength will allow him to defeat Grendel. (24) His skillful defense confirms both his status as a hero of his time and his unfailing adherence to the hero’s creed.

Examine this essay. Why does the author believe Beowulf is a true hero? Identify a passage from the text that supports your answer.

Question

(1) It was believed that if a hero showed fear, acted without honor, or allowed others to discredit him, then he was no longer a hero. (2) In this ancient poem the main character says he would rather die than fail in his endeavor to defeat the monster Grendel. (3) The self-assurance indicated by this statement shows that the character is a hero.
      (4) Unferth raises doubts about Beowulf’s ability to defeat Grendel by pointing out that Beowulf lost a swimming match with Brecca. (5) This challenge sets the stage for Beowulf to defend his reputation. (6) Drawing himself up to his full heigthe sturdily built warrior casts a steely gaze around the room, letting his fierce gray eyes rest on each one in the great hall. (7) When the force of his personality has quieted the rumble of voices, Beowulf begins the defense of his reputation. (8) First, he discredits Unferth by implying that Unferth’s challenge was prompted by the ale he has been drinking. (9) Stretching his sinewy arm out toward Unferth, Beowulf says, though “your tongue has tried/To tell us about Brecca’s doings,” it has failed. (10) Arching an expressive, bushy eyebrow, Beowulf looks around at his audience, pleased with the scattered laughter his first rhetorical point has elicited.

(11) As Beowulf moves to his second point, a confident smile softens the severity of his expression. (12) Clearly relishing his role as his own advocate, Beowulf crosses his beefy arms across his chest and says that he is a good swimmer. (13) Even though he knew he could outswim Brecca, he swam beside the man for five days, “[u]ntil a flood swept us apart.” (14) In his telling of the tale, Beowulf appears larger than life, for only a good warrior could have survived the “savage” waves. (15) Almost as though it were an afterthought, Beowulf mentions that the storm awoke nine slumbering monsters, all of whom he defeated. (16) With a dismissive shake of his hand, he asserts that “Brecca’s battles were never so bold,” refuting Unferth’s implication that Beowulf is unsuited to the task of defeating Grendel. (17) Combined with the tale of his defeat of sea monsters and the sea itself, Beowulf’s commanding presence and his rhetorical flourishes mesmerize the audience, including the king and queen.

(18) For his third point, Beowulf challenges Unferth in a manner that is calculated to deter others who might try to enhance their own reputations at the expense of Beowulf.

(19) Standing in the center of the great hall, Beowulf contrasts himself with Unferth.

(20) Addressing Unferth but stretching his hand out toward his audience and pivoting to face each warrior, Beowulf says, “I’ve heard/No tales of you” in which Unferth showed such honor, strength, and courage. (21) This wounding point denies Unferth heroic stature and undermines Unferth’s attempt to damage Beowulf’s reputation as warrior hero. (22) The way Beowulf has played his audience, quieting them with a mere look and rousing them to laughter at his opponent’s expense, confirms his status as hero.

(23) Answering Unferth’s challenge with the supreme confidence of a successful champion, Beowulf persuades his audience that his courage and strength will allow him to defeat Grendel. (24) His skillful defense confirms both his status as a hero of his time and his unfailing adherence to the hero’s creed.
 
Examine this essay.  Why does the author believe Beowulf is a true hero?  Identify a passage from the text that supports your answer.