Question

Read this passage from Beowulf.
then, saw the sage companionswho waited with Hrothgar, watching the flood,that the tossing waters turbid grew,blood-stained the mere. Old men together,hoary-haired, of the hero spake;the warrior would not, they weened, again,proud of conquest, come to seektheir mighty master. To many it seemedthe wolf-of-the-waves had won his life.The ninth hour came.Which of these words best describes the effect this passage creates?
a. Dullness
b. Suspense
c. Horror
d. Sorrow

Answer 1

Answer:

b. Suspense.

Explanation:

The lines are from the epic "Beowulf" which tells of the heroic deeds of the protagonist and hero Beowulf.

Taken from Chapter 23, the lines refer to when the Geats saw the water filled with blood. They did not know that their leader had vanquished and beheaded Grendel and his mother. Rather, they were of the opinion that Beowulf had been killed by the monsters. This is a theme of suspense for the soldiers who are waiting for their leader. They were sure that their master / leader had been killed. Even Hrothgar had turned his boat and sailed, while the Geats waited expectantly and patiently, hoping for Beowulf to return.