Question

Jamal’s assignment for class is to write his own verse to add to Beowulf, using some of the traditions that were used in Old English poetry.

Which excerpt from Jamal’s poem best fulfills the assignment?

And Unferth heard Beowulf’s story.
And he sulked hearing all that glory.
As Unferth listened to what Beowulf said,
he felt overcome with envy at what he heard
Unferth sat back, brooding on his bench,
listening bitterly to Beowulf’s conquests
Unferth remained in the hall with others,
Where he hid how much he was truly bothered.

Answer 1

"Unferth sat back, brooding on his bench,"

This line best fits Old English poetic traditions: it uses strong alliteration (brooding/bench/back), a clear caesura (the comma) breaking the line into two half‑lines, and a terser, elevated diction that echoes the style of Beowulf.