"my lord higlac might think less of me if i let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if i hid behind some broad linden shield; my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster" (169-174). (2 points) a. beowulf makes a statement that leads to unferth’s calling him a "boastful fool." b. beowulf seeks a way to add to his reputation as a hero. c. beowulf does not want to compromise his bravery by fighting an unarmed opponent with a weapon. d. beowulf makes promises that no human could actually carry out.

Beowulf does not want to compromise his bravery by fighting an unarmed opponent with a weapon.

Explanation:

"My Lord Higlac Might think less of me if I let my sword Go where my feet were afraid to..." He is afraid of what will be thought of him if he fought with a sword because he was scared of fighting bare handed.

" if I hid Behind some broad linden shield" again he says the same. "If I HID behind some linded shield". Carrying weapons would mean he was scared.

"my hands Alone shall fight for me, struggle for life Against the monster" he accepts to fight without weapons, with his bare hands. That way he will demonstrate his bravery and his courage shown by leaving his fears aside.

the answer is tom watson. tom watson created this epitaph because he wanted to increase the sympathy felt by people towards the murder of mary phagan.