《贝奥武甫》中Unferth插曲的含义(第499-528行)

The Implication of Unferth's Intervention in Beowulf(ll.499-528)

对Unferth讲辞性质的理解,在很大程度上取决于对for wlence,for dolgilpe等词的正确阐释。《贝奥武甫》中第499—528行的Unferth的讲辞并非完全为了表达对贝奥武甫的嘲讽,更是为了维护他自己和丹麦人的英雄傲气。笔者认为,这段讲辞的语气之所以给人留下负面的印象,主要是由于人们对其中的一些关键词和诗人插语的解读不太恰当。Unferth用了诸如for wlence,for dolgilpe,netdon,belean,swuncon等一连串的词来表现贝奥武甫在游泳比赛中的鲁莽与蛮勇。在Unferth语气粗鄙恶劣的语境下理解wlenco一词,它可解读成"虚荣"或"愚蠢的傲慢"等意。但从整篇史诗来看,wlence,wlenco或其形容词形式wlonc,表达的都是英雄傲气这一正面的意涵。在英雄主义的语境下去理解,wlenco一词的中性意思"振奋昂扬"很符合Unferth的叙述。如此看来,Unferth并不是在批评贝奥武甫与Breca的游泳比赛是孩子气的虚荣心作祟,而是指责其没有践行wlenco,即"振奋昂扬"这一精神。这几个词对于理解英雄社会的哲学意蕴有着非常重要的作用。笔者对于Unferth这段讲辞的分析表明,Unferth善于运用词语,应将他看成一个独立的角色,而不仅仅当作贝奥武甫的陪衬。他深切地意识到贝奥武甫对于丹麦人以及他自己的英雄傲气构成了威胁,因此,Unferth对于贝奥武甫言语上的攻击是基于他的竞争意识。

To a large extent,understanding the nature of Unferth's speech depends on the correct interpretation of for wlence,and for dolgilpe.Unferth's speech(ll.499-528)in Beowulf is not wholly intended to evoke a mocking mood but rather is motivated by the desire to defend his and Danish heroic pride.I think the negative impression derived from the tone of Unferth's speech is largely due to the unfavourable interpretation of some key words,and to the intervention of the poet.On the surface a series of words seems to be used to effectuate the sense of rashness and foolhardiness in Beowulf's swimming-contest:for wlence,for dolgilpe,nebdon,belean,swuncon.In the context of Unferth's superficially scurrilous tone,wlenco can be interpreted as"vainglory"or"foolish pride."However through the poem either wlence,wlenco,or its adjective form wlonc is used to elicit a positive feeling of heroic pride.In the context of heroism,the neutral meaning of wlenco as"high-spiritedness"fits well into the progression of Unferth's narrative.In this way,Unferth is not criticizing the nature of Beowulf's swimming-contest with Breca,which might be possibly motivated by boyish exuberance,but is instead blaming for not living up to that wlenco,"high-spirit."These words are very important in understanding philosophical ethos in heroic society.The heroic society needs a special code of behavior and morality common to all Germanic races in the early Middle Ages.The most important concept,the binding force of society,was the comitatus,the mutual loyalty between lord and thane or warrior.The leader gave legal and economic protection in return for military services.I demonstrate that the generally accepted meaning"foolhardiness"given to wlenco is not applicable in Unferth's verbal attack against Beowulf's participation in the swimming-contest.My analysis of Unferth's speech reveals that he is a highly conscious manipulator of words and thus should be regarded as serving an independent role,not just a foil to Beowulf.He is keenly aware of Beowulf's threat to Danish pride,as well as to his own heroic pride.For this reason,Unferth's verbal attack on Beowulf is firmly based on rival-consciousness.