19. Toward the end of the novel, what does Uhtred reveal in his mind to be the most important qualification for one to be a "proper man"?
From Quiz Medieval Melodramatics
Answer:
fighting in a great shield wall
As a hostage of Guthrum the Unlucky, Uhtred once again meets up with Brida, a former companion and lover. Enjoying the news that Uhtred is going to become a father, she tells him that when his son is born, Uhtred will be a "proper man." But in reaction to that comment, Uhtred reveals to himself his inner conviction that becoming a father would still leave "one thing lacking," which is being in a great shield wall. He had "never endured the long bloodletting, the terrible fights when thirst and weariness weaken a man and the enemy, no matter how many you kill, keeps on coming. Only when I had done that, I thought, could I call myself a proper man."