Final Answer:
Antipholus explicitly declares himself a merchant in Act 1, Scene 2, and subsequent references and thematic elements consistently reinforce his identity as a trader. Thus the correct option is (A). Merchant.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Shakespeare's comedy The Comedy of Errors, elder Antipholus is depicted as a merchant. This is evident through various references in the play that highlight his involvement in trade and business. For instance, in Act 1, Scene 2, when Antipholus of Syracuse is asked about his profession, he responds, Of Syracuse, am I, and by birth a merchant. This direct statement establishes his occupation as a merchant. Throughout the play, the character's actions and discussions further reinforce his identity as a merchant, emphasizing the significance of commerce in his life. Thus the correct option is (A). Merchant.
The theme of merchant activities is recurrent in the plot, with Antipholus engaging in discussions related to trade and business matters. Additionally, his interactions with other characters often revolve around commercial dealings, providing additional context to his profession. The choice of A. Merchant aligns with the textual evidence and thematic elements present in the play, making it the correct response to the question about elder Antipholus's profession.
In conclusion, the character's explicit declaration of being a merchant, coupled with consistent references to commercial activities throughout the play, establishes elder Antipholus's profession as a merchant in The Comedy of Errors. This aligns with the broader context of the play and contributes to the comedic elements by incorporating the complexities and misunderstandings associated with business dealings into the narrative.