Question

but his steps became slower and slower; and as he neared the hero, he could not help thinking with horror of the burden he must so soon resume, and bear for centuries, perhaps, without relief. (paragraph 6)
how does the characterization of atlas in this sentence contribute to the meaning of the passage?
a by showing that he struggles to carry the apples back after picking them from the tree
b by showing that it is much easier for him to accomplish great deeds than it is for hercules
c by showing how quickly his satisfaction changes to frustration about having to return to his fate
d by showing how difficult it is for him to...

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option A: The sentence is about Atlas's burden of his fate (not carrying apples), so A is incorrect.
2. Analyze Option B: The sentence doesn't compare Atlas and Hercules' ability to do great deeds, so B is incorrect.
3. Analyze Option C: The phrase "steps became slower" and "thinking with horror of the burden he must... resume" shows his satisfaction (from maybe a brief respite) turning to frustration about returning to his fated burden, so this matches.
4. Analyze the last (cut - off) option: Since it's cut off and C makes sense, we focus on C.

Answer:

C. by showing how quickly his satisfaction changes to frustration about having to return to his fate