Dialectical Journal 7

1. Nor do I expect peace or pact-keeping of any sort from the Swedes. (ln. 2921) It is important to note that Wiglaf used to be a Swede himself before he joined Beowulf's band. He would know about the battle tactics of the Swedes and how they go about taking over other countries. Even though he has this knowledge though, there is still nothing Wiglaf can do about the Swedish invasion to come and the wiping out of the Geats. Possibly Wiglaf was a bad choice of a king for Beowulf's replacement because he still hasn't won the respect of the Geat warriors yet, making them less likely to listen to him in battle.

2. No one could miss their murderous feuding. (ln. 2948) Feuds are a huge part of the culture at this point in time, and the only examples we have of there not being feuds are Heorot and Geatland. In both instances, there isn't any feuding because people are to afraid of a particular person (Grendel/Beowulf) to attack that country. It is ironic that, in Heorot, it is actually pretty peaceful with Grendel is there, at least among the warriors. They are too afraid to do anything that might jeapordize their protection from the king. In Geatland, Beowulf's 100% record makes him a huge figure head, and since everyone is too afraid to anger him, there is less feuding.

3. He worked for the people, but as well as that he behaved like a hero. (ln. 3006) While it is true that Beowulf's warrior status made many things better for the Geats, it didn't make him the best of kings. His inability to back down from a fight eventually cost him his life, and it also cost his country great warriors because all the young ones didn't get a chance to practice. If Beowulf was around, he just took everything on himself and there was no way for the upcoming warriors to learn better fighting skills.

4. ...it was bought at a heavy cost... (ln. 3012) If you were to argue that Wiglaf was actually the one to kill the dragon, this would be a key line. Here, Wiglaf is hinting that the heavy cost isn't the cost of Beowulf's life, but the cost of his record. Beowulf's sterling record is his most prized accomplishment, and the fact that he had to accept help in fighting the dragon would ruin it for him. Not only did Wiglaf help, but he also mortally wounded the dragon, therefore making it not much of a fight for Beowulf to participate in. Wiglaf took all the challenge out of the fight that could have been bragged about later if Beowulf had lived.

5. Yet Beowulf's gaze at the treasure when he first saw it had not been selfish. (ln. 3074) The only reason Beowulf's gaze at the treasure wasn't selfish was because he didn't want any of it. The only thing that matters to him is the treasure of his own honor and glory. Material possessions hold no value for him, and he is even inclined to give them away. If he had lived, the dragon's treasure hoard would have made him more symbolically the good king by the distributing of treasure among his warriors and kin.

6. His worth and due as a warrior were the greatest. (ln. 3100) This line suggests that Beowulf's worth as a king was possibly not very much. Probably the best thing he did for his people was through the awe and fear he inspired in others as a warrior. The peace that came to Geatland during his reign was due to his great power as a warrior, and the stories that would have traveled far and wide about his record with the killing of great monsters.

7. ...hung with helmets, heavy war shields and shining armor, just as he had ordered. (ln. 3139) Again, we are reminded about how Beowulf seems to be warrior first, then king. His pride causes him to put himself into battle where he doesn't belong. He should rather be sending in the young warriors for the battle experience so they can become great warriors themselves. The armor put on Beowulf's funeral pyre is symbolic of his life as a warrior and his choice to put his glory before the glory of his country.