Question

When Odysseus plucked the cord, "it smote the suitors and all their faces changed." What does that mean? In what way do you think the suitors' faces changed? Why do you think that?

a) They were astonished and bewildered
b) They were frightened and panicked
c) They were humiliated and enraged
d) They were impressed and respectful

Answer 1

When Odysseus plucked the cord, 'it smote the suitors and all their faces changed.' This suggests that the suitors had a significant emotional reaction. Based on the context, they were likely humiliated and enraged.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrase 'it smote the suitors and all their faces changed' in the context of the Odyssey means that when Odysseus plucked the cord, it had a dramatic impact on the suitors. The suitors' faces changed, suggesting a significant emotional reaction. Based on the events leading up to this moment, it can be inferred that the suitors' faces changed because they were humiliated and enraged. Odysseus had just revealed his identity and demonstrated his strength by stringing and shooting an arrow through the axes, effectively proving his superiority over the suitors.