Beowulf

Why is it significant that the end of Beowulf's life was caused by the actions of a slave?

I am not sure I know what to add... is there some irony to what happened at the end? I thought perhaps Beowulf was from humble beginnings, but in looking back to his youth I do not see that. I am supposed to write a page responding to this question and I cannot come up with any significance at all. Hmmm... could it have something to do with Beowulf being a hero ultimately tripped up by a slave? But that is hardly a page! Thank you very much for your help. JudyAnn

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Follow the link below and go straight to the analysis for the section; this is the information you need to answer the above question.

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http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/beowulf/section8.rhtml

I think that the significance has to do with the fact that if you really look at the story, Grendel was just a large, strong, homeless man; with apparently some serious jealousy issues. Beowulf, talked so highly of himself; i really feel that the significance comes into play when Unferth tells him about Brekah. Another thing Beowulf talks highly of himself when it comes to fighting and how strong he is, he thinks he will never be defeated, until this point apparently. Hrothgar believed in Beowulf, and Beowulf's men believed in him as well. I really think he had gotten to the point when all he was doing was saying how strong he was instead of really putting that into action, his emotions became defeated, which in return, made him as a warrior defeated. He talked a big game, but in the end, his arrogance and himself were put into their place by realizing that he needed to be defeated in order to see that there is more to life than talking a big game about yourself. This is my point of view, take it for what it's worth, and if you have any feedback for me, let me know.

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My personal beliefs, and thoughts on the matter.