In the first section of beowulf, which part is most clearly exposition?
a. the tense verbal exchange between unferth and beowulf.
b. the fight between beowulf and grendel when grendel loses his arm.
c. the 12 years of hardship that hrothgar and his people suffer because of grendel.
d. the meeting between beowulf and the scylding coast guard when the ship arrives.

C. The 12 years of hardship that Hrothgar and his people suffer because of Grendel.

Explanation:

In a story, the exposition reveals the necessary background information about the characters, the setting or the events for a reader to understand what the main conflict or situation is going to be.

The exposition usually takes place at the beginning to establish the story's main intention, and can be revealed through description or dialogue.