Question

question 7
instructions
read the question carefully and select the best answer.
what does the phrase spoils of war mean as it is used in paragraph 8 of the excerpt?

eciprocity—mutual and fair exchange—which governs all social relationships in the homeric world, is the core of the leader-people relationship. the giving and receiving should ideally balance one another. so, too, fairness is the rule in the apportionment of the spoils of war. following a raid, the booty is gathered together. first the leader takes his share (and something extra as the leader’s prize) and, under his supervision, special rewards for valor are given out. the rest is then given to the men to divide up, so that no one may go cheated of an equal share.\
a. possessions taken by the winners
b. tactics used in a victorious battle
c. guidance provided to the people
d. destruction caused by fighting

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "spoils of war", we analyze the context. The passage talks about apportioning (dividing) these spoils after a raid: the leader takes a share, rewards for valor are given, and the rest is divided among the men. Option A ("Possessions taken by the winners") fits because "spoils of war" typically refers to goods or property seized by the victorious side. Option B is incorrect as "tactics" are strategies, not things to be apportioned. Option C is wrong because "guidance" isn't something divided. Option D is incorrect as "destruction" isn't what's being shared; it's possessions.

Answer:

A. Possessions taken by the winners