Question

read the excerpt from part 4 of the odyssey.
we saw the funnel of the maelstrom, heard
the rock bellowing all around, and dark
sand raged on the bottom far below.
my men all blanched against the gloom, our eyes
were fixed upon that yawning mouth in fear
of being devoured.
which statement best explains the metaphor in this
excerpt?
○ the whirlpool is compared to a mouth, showing its
decreasing strength.
○ the whirlpool is compared to a mouth, showing its
menacing threat.
○ the whirlpool is compared to a sandy beach,
showing its proximity.
○ the whirlpool is compared to a sandy beach,
showing its familiarity.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the metaphor: The excerpt uses "yawning mouth" to refer to the maelstrom (whirlpool).
2. Evaluate Option 1: A "mouth" showing "decreasing strength" contradicts the fear of being devoured, so incorrect.
3. Evaluate Option 2: A "yawning mouth" that makes the men fear being "devoured" shows the whirlpool as a menacing threat, matching the metaphor's implication.
4. Evaluate Option 3 and 4: The whirlpool is compared to a mouth, not a sandy beach, so these are incorrect.

Answer:

B. The whirlpool is compared to a mouth, showing its menacing threat.