Question

read the prompt, then type your answer into the box.
read the passage describing achilless effect on his men:
\thus while he roused the fire in every breast,\
close and more close the listening cohorts pressd;
ranks wedged in ranks; of arms a steely ring
still grows, and spreads, and thickens round the king.
as when a circling wall the builder forms,
of strength defensive against wind and storms,
compacted stones the thickening work compose,
and round him wide the rising structure grows:
so helm to helm, and crest to crest they throng,
shield urged on shield, and man drove man along;
thick, undistinguishd plumes, together joind,
float in one sea, and wave before the wind.\
what is the meaning of the extended simile in this passage? how does it add meaning to the text? support your response using evidence from the text.

Explanation:

The extended simile compares the gathering of Achilles' men around him to a builder constructing a defensive wall. Just as the builder's wall (made of compacted stones, growing "wide" and "thickening" to resist storms) is strong and cohesive, Achilles' men (pressing close, "ranks wedged in ranks," "helm to helm, crest to crest," "shield urged on shield") gather tightly around him, showing unity, loyalty, and a strong, protective formation. This simile emphasizes the men's dedication to Achilles, their organized and powerful assembly, and how they rally around him like a sturdy wall, adding depth to the portrayal of their collective strength and commitment.

Answer:

The extended simile compares Achilles’ men gathering around him to a builder constructing a defensive wall. The wall (made of “compacted stones,” growing “wide” and “thickening” to resist “wind and storms”) is strong and cohesive. Similarly, Achilles’ men press “close and more close,” with “ranks wedged in ranks,” “shield urged on shield,” and “man drove man along,” forming a tight, unified, protective formation around him. This simile emphasizes the men’s loyalty, unity, and collective strength, portraying them as a sturdy, dedicated group rallying around their leader, just as a wall defends against threats.