In this excerpt from Beowulf, what do the underlined words imply about Shield Sheafson?
So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by
and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness.
. . .
There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes,
a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes.
. . .
A foundling to start with, he would flourish later on
. . .
In the end each clan on the outlying coasts
beyond the whale-road had to yield to him
and begin to pay tribute. That was one good king.
A. He was a fierce warrior.
B. He took pleasure in destruction.
C. He was disliked by both friends and enemies.
D. He loathed social gatherings such as feasts.
PLS ANSWER
So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by
and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness.
. . .
There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes,
a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes.
. . .
A foundling to start with, he would flourish later on
. . .
In the end each clan on the outlying coasts
beyond the whale-road had to yield to him
and begin to pay tribute. That was one good king.
A. He was a fierce warrior.
B. He took pleasure in destruction.
C. He was disliked by both friends and enemies.
D. He loathed social gatherings such as feasts.
PLS ANSWER
Answers & Comments
Answer:
A. He was a fierce warrior.
Verified answer
A. He was a fierce warrior.
The words "scourge of many tribes" and "rampaging among foes" in the excerpt imply that Shield Sheafson was a fierce warrior. The word "scourge" suggests that he inflicted severe punishment or damage on his enemies, while the phrase "rampaging among foes" suggests that he was aggressive and violent in battle. These phrases convey a sense of Shield Sheafson's ferocity and fearlessness in battle, painting him as a formidable and powerful warrior.
B. He took pleasure in destruction.
The phrase "wrecker of mead-benches" implies that Shield Sheafson took pleasure in destruction, specifically in the destruction of mead-benches, which were tables used for drinking and feasting. The word "wrecker" implies that he was destructive or destructive in his behavior, specifically in regards to these tables, which were used for social gatherings. This suggests that Shield Sheafson possibly had some disdain for such gatherings or perhaps a violent side.
C. He was disliked by both friends and enemies.
There is no implication in the excerpt that Shield Sheafson was disliked by both friends and enemies. On the contrary, it is stated that "each clan on the outlying coasts beyond the whale-road had to yield to him and begin to pay tribute. That was one good king" which suggests that he was respected and successful as a leader.
D. He loathed social gatherings such as feasts.
The phrase "wrecker of mead-benches" implies that Shield Sheafson had a specific disdain for social gatherings that took place at mead-benches, but it doesn't suggest that he loathed all social gatherings in general. It could be interpreted that he had a specific issue with the consumption of alcohol, as it is possible that mead-benches were primarily used to serve mead, a type of alcohol.
I am uncertain about what the underlined words refer to, as there were no words underlined in the original statement. Please let me know if I misunderstood the question.