Final answer:
The poet's word choice conveys a serious and solemn tone toward Charon, reflecting his role as the mythical ferryman of the underworld, often characterized by a mix of fear and respect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poet's word choice in descriptions related to Charon often conveys a sense of the mythical ferryman's grim and solemn role in guiding souls to the afterlife. In classical literature, Charon is typically portrayed with a mix of fear and respect, as he performs his duty in the underworld. The deliberate choice of words gives a tone of seriousness, reverence, and sometimes foreboding, in alignment with Charon's function as the transporter of souls across the rivers that separate the living from the dead. Passages may sometimes paint him as gruff or detached, further emphasizing his daunting and solitary task.