How we cite our quotes: (Page) Vintage Books, 1989
Quote #7
Bitterness went out from him like darkness made visible: Unferth the hero (known far and wide in these Scanian lands), isolated in that huge crowd like a poisonous snake aware of what it was. (97)
Sometimes fame can be a very bad thing. In Unferth's case, his fame is also his curse—he's known as the killer of his own brothers. Now that he's stepped over that line, there's no way he can truly assimilate into society. His attempt to rehab his reputation by doing heroic deeds hits a dead end, because Grendel won't play the game. Misery loves company, and Grendel is doing his best to let Unferth into that little club.
Quote #8
Sometimes she'd slip from the bed while he slept and would cross to the door and go out alone into the night. Alone and never alone. Instantly, guards were all around her, gem-woman priceless among the Scylding treasures. She would stand in the cold wind looking east, one hand clutching her robe to her throat, the silent guards encircling her like trees. (105)
It doesn't matter how gracefully Wealtheow handles her captivity—it is what it is. She is a woman taken away from family, friends, and homeland. She plays her role well, but her sadness and longing still show.
Quote #9
Once, for a long moment, the queen looked at him while listening to her brother, her eyes as thoughtful as Hrothgar's. Then she laughed and talked again, and the king conversed with the man on his left; it was as if their minds had not met. (107)
The sadness of Wealtheow's situation multiplies when you consider how unequal her marriage to Hrothgar really is. Sure, he's king, but he's also a ruthless conqueror—and he's totally old. On the flipside, it's not such a great match for Hrothgar, either. He has to live with the fact that this beautiful woman has been wasted on him. The political advantages might have been great, but the companionship is missing.