Question

read the excerpt from the odyssey.
\i am laertes son, odysseus.
men hold me
formidable for guile in peace and war:
this fame has gone abroad to the skys rim.

which paraphrase of this excerpt contains the central idea of the speech?
odysseus is the son of laertes and is widely respected for his skills.
odysseus is admired for his actions during war and peace.
men stand in awe of odysseus because of his strength shown in war.
men are impressed with odysseus simply because he is the son of laertes.

Explanation:

The original excerpt states Odysseus is Laertes' son, and men consider him formidable for his guile in both peace and war, with his fame widespread. We need a paraphrase that includes all key elements: his parentage, his guile/skills in peace and war, and his respected reputation.

• The second option omits his identity as Laertes' son.
• The third option only focuses on war strength, ignoring peace and his parentage.
• The fourth option only emphasizes his parentage, ignoring his guile in peace/war.
• The first option includes his parentage and his widely respected skills (which covers his guile in peace and war).

Answer:

Odysseus is the son of Laertes and is widely respected for his skills.