Question

How is the central idea of the passage most shaped through the author’s description of Argos in paragraphs 11-15?

A The description of Argos reinforces how Ulysses’ idea that he must punish people who have taken advantage of his being absent and reward people who remained faithful to him.
B Melanthius’s treatment of Ulysses, which causes him to feel more helpless, represents how Argos is treated by the suitors and servants.
C Ulysses is reminded of his fear of the suiters and his own mortality because of Argos’s age and condition.
D Argos symbolizes how Ulysses is ashamed of himself due to neglecting his kingdom, and, in turn, demands that Ulysses take responsibility for the people he neglected during that time.

Answer 1

The central idea of the passage is shaped by the description of Argos, emphasizing the themes of loyalty, remembrance, and the impact of Ulysses' absence on his kingdom, as symbolized by the neglected state of his faithful dog, Argos.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea of the passage is most shaped through the author's description of Argos in paragraphs 11-15 by reinforcing the themes of loyalty, remembrance, and the consequences of absence. From the context given, we can deduce that the character of Argos represents more than a mere dog awaiting his master; he symbolizes the state of Ulysses’ kingdom and the neglect suffered during Ulysses' prolonged absence. The description of Argos likely draws parallels to Ulysses' realization of his own failure to protect his kingdom and the effects of his lengthy odyssey.

When Ulysses encounters Argos, the dog's condition and his reaction to seeing Ulysses after so many years could evoke a powerful realization in Ulysses. It is probable that Argos’ state emphasizes the decay and neglect that has befallen the kingdom and the people Ulysses left behind, demanding that he take responsibility.

The neglect shown to Argos suggests how Ulysses’ kingdom has suffered similarly at the hands of the suitors, and now it's time for Ulysses to restore order and justice.