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.
What does this excerpt most suggest about the beliefs of the ancient Greeks?
a They believed that nature’s strength was wholly uncontrollable.
b They believed that nature’s wrath could never be overcome.
c They believed that the gods were frequently unfair in their actions.
d They believed that the gods often punished people for acting badly.
1 answer
The excerpt most suggests that the beliefs of the ancient Greeks were:
a They believed that nature’s strength was wholly uncontrollable.
This interpretation is drawn from the passage's vivid description of a powerful storm that the ships cannot withstand, illustrating the overwhelming and uncontrollable force of nature. While there may be elements of divine influence, the primary focus is on the sheer power of the natural elements that the characters are helpless against.
