Essential Question #4 (Group 2)

Simplify and analyze Hrothgar's parting words to Beowulf, lines 1708-1767

In the beginning of Hrothgar's parting words, he mentions that "all things are in [God's] power" (1711). In other words, events that occur, such as "a noble man's mind to experience happiness" (1712-1713) are all God's doing. God determines the fate of people on earth. Hrothgar, then, talks about this noble man and how the blessings from God can cause arrogance to develop. This arrogance will steer into something "insufficient" (1732). With this arrogance, the noble man will forget "his destiny and disregard the honors given to him [by] God" (1735-1737). In other words, Hrothgar gives Beowulf an example of a noble man who allowed his blessings to make him an egotistical being and warns Beowulf to swallow his pride because it will or could hurt him. After giving Beowulf this warning, Hrothgar gives Beowulf an insight of his own experiences as a ruler. He speaks of how he thought the "time had come when [he] thought [he] had no enemies left on earth" (1756-1757), which turned out to be false when Grendel came along. Thus, he is also telling Beowulf to watch his back. Hrothgar thanks God at the end of his speech and, immediately after, tells Beowulf he will reward him with presents the next day. Two things are wrong with that statement. Hrothgar has been a horrible follower of God. He has guided his people into the opposite direction of God and sins almost every day; yet, he is thanking God. Another flaw is Beowulf's acceptance of these gifts. As a Christ figure, Beowulf should have no desire to accept gifts! He is known as a selfless man. Fortunately, we do find out later in the poem that he gives the gifts to the treasure-giver.