Question

Now Zeus the lord of cloud roused in the north

a storm against the ships, and driving veils
of squall moved down like night on land and sea.
The bows went plunging at the gust; sails cracked and
lashed out strips in the big wind.
We saw death in that fury, dropped the yards, unshipped
the oars, and pulled for the nearest lee:
then two long days and nights we lay offshore worn out
and sick at heart, tasting our grief,
until a third Dawn came with ringlets shining. Then we
put up our masts, hauled sail, and rested,
letting the steersmen and the breeze take over.
I might have made it safely home, that time,
but as I came round Malea the current
took me out to sea, and from the north
a fresh gale drove me on, past Cythera.
Nine days I drifted on the teeming sea
before dangerous high winds.
What does the sea symbolize in this passage?
loyalty among shipmates
obstacles on life's journey
the knowledge of leaders
hospitality among friends

Answer 1

obstacles on life’s journey

Answer 2

In this passage, the sea symbolizes obstacles on life's journey. The storm and dangerous high winds represent the challenges and hardships that the speaker and his shipmates face while trying to navigate and survive at sea. The sea is often used as a symbol for the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of life, and in this passage, it serves as a metaphor for the difficulties and trials that one must endure on the journey of life.