Question

9
\good - natured, as giants proverbially are, atlas threw the apples on the grass beside him, and assumed the incumbent weight; but hercules, instead of preparing to resume it, picked up the apples, leaving atlas alone, in the same plight as he had found him, there to remain until some more compassionate hero should come and set him free.\ (paragraph 7)
what does the word compassionate mean as it is used in this sentence?
a daring
b intelligent
c powerful
d sympathetic

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "compassionate" in the sentence, we analyze the context. Atlas was in a plight (difficult situation), and Hercules' action of picking up the apples to free Atlas shows concern for Atlas' situation. "Sympathetic" means showing understanding or concern for others' feelings/situations, which matches. "Daring" is about courage, "intelligent" about smarts, "powerful" about strength—none fit as well as "sympathetic".

Answer:

The option with "sympathetic" (the last option, likely labeled as D or the last choice in the list, e.g., if options are A. daring, B. intelligent, C. powerful, D. sympathetic, then D. sympathetic)