Question

read the passage.
the restaurateur understood the numerous disadvantages of competing against the chains. they purchased everything in bulk - lettuce, meat, furniture. they even purchased newspaper ads and television commercials as a group. this, of course, meant they received better rates than a little guy like him. still, despite his inability to match his competitors purchasing power or advertising budget, he refused to allow the chains to monopolize the towns restaurant business. he saw their mammoth size as a challenge to think smarter and work harder. he strove to offer the variety often lacking in the chains, and he established strong connections in the town. he believed his neighborly goodwill would allow him to withstand the squeeze of the towns goliaths.
how does the allusion to goliath affect readers understanding of the passage?

1. it shows the powerful effects of advertising.
2. it conveys how hopeless the restaurateur must feel.
3. it makes the restaurateurs challenge seem daunting but surmountable.
4. it prepares readers for the restaurateurs eventual and inevitable defeat.

Explanation:

Goliath is a giant from the Bible. In the passage, the restaurateur sees the chains (big competitors) as "Goliaths". But he also believes his "neighborly goodwill" (like David's faith and strategy) will help him. So, it's a big challenge (daunting) but he thinks he can overcome it (surmountable). Option 1 is wrong as the allusion isn't about advertising. Option 2 is wrong because he's not hopeless. Option 4 is wrong as he doesn't expect defeat.

Answer:

1. It makes the restaurateur's challenge seem daunting but surmountable.