Final answer:
The men at the lake represent the Danes, while the men at the dragon's lair represent Beowulf's own warriors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The men at the lake where Beowulf fought Grendel's mother and the men at the dragon's lair where Beowulf fought the dragon are different in several ways.
Firstly, the men at the lake represent the Danes, who were defending their kingdom against the attacks of Grendel and his mother. These men were brave warriors who fought to protect their homes, food, and families.
On the other hand, the men at the dragon's lair represent Beowulf's own warriors who accompanied him on his final battle against the dragon. These men were loyal to Beowulf and fought alongside him until the end.