Question

deep in a wood. and only one of them remained, stood there, miserable, remembering as a good man must, what kinship should mean. his name was wiglaf, he was wexstan’s son and a good soldier... how does this subplot involving wiglaf contribute to the overall structure of the epic? a it shows that beowulf’s followers were always loyal, highlighting the unity of the geats. b it emphasizes the theme of loyalty by contrasting wiglaf’s courage with the cowardice of the other warriors. c it reveals that beowulf secretly planned for wiglaf to inherit his throne, foreshadowing the next king. d it interrupts the main battle with unnecessary backstory, slowing the pace of the narrative.

Explanation:

In the epic of Beowulf, while most of Beowulf's warriors flee in the face of danger, Wiglaf stands firm, showing loyalty. This contrast emphasizes the theme of loyalty. It doesn't show all followers were always loyal (A is wrong), there's no indication of Beowulf planning for Wiglaf to inherit (C is wrong), and it's not an unnecessary back - story but a meaningful part of the narrative (D is wrong).

Answer:

B. It emphasizes the theme of loyalty by contrasting Wiglaf’s courage with the cowardice of the other warriors.