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'Sirens 20

weaving a haunting song over the sea


we are to shun, she said, and their green shore


all sweet with clover; yet she urged that I


alone should listen to their song. Therefore


you are to tie me up, tight as a splint,

25

erect along the mast, lashed to the mast,


and if I shout and beg to be untied,


take more turns of the rope to muffle me.’


I rather dwelt on this part of the forecast,


while our good ship made time, bound outward


down

30
the wind for the strange island of Sirens.


–The Odyssey,
Homer

Which lines best illustrate the conclusion that Odysseus is an epic hero because he fights alone?

lines 20-22
lines 23-24
lines 27-28
lines 29-31

1 answer

To determine which lines best illustrate the conclusion that Odysseus is an epic hero because he fights alone, let's analyze the provided options:

  • Lines 20-22: "we are to shun, she said, and their green shore / all sweet with clover; yet she urged that I / alone should listen to their song." This suggests that while others are warned to avoid the Sirens, Odysseus is urged to face the challenge by himself. This implies a personal battle or struggle.

  • Lines 23-24: "Therefore / you are to tie me up, tight as a splint," These lines indicate preparation for Odysseus to confront the Sirens but do not emphasize his solitary fight.

  • Lines 27-28: "and if I shout and beg to be untied, / take more turns of the rope to muffle me." These lines show the strategy for Odysseus but again do not focus on the aspect of him fighting alone.

  • Lines 29-31: "while our good ship made time, bound outward / down / the wind for the strange island of Sirens." These lines describe the journey rather than Odysseus's solitary fight.

Given the analysis, the lines that best illustrate the conclusion that Odysseus is an epic hero because he fights alone are lines 20-22. They clearly indicate that while others are advised to avoid the danger, Odysseus is left to confront it by himself, highlighting his heroic journey.