Question

the restaurateur understood the numerous disadvantages of competing against the chains. they purchased everything in bulk—lettuce, meat, furniture. they even purchased newspaper ads and television commercials as a group. this, of course, meant they received better rates than a little guy like him. still, despite his inability to match his competitors’ purchasing power or advertising budget, he refused to allow the chains to monopolize the town’s restaurant business. he saw their mammoth size as a challenge to think smarter and work harder. he strove to offer the variety often lacking in the chains, and he established strong connections in the town. he believed his neighborly goodwill would allow him to withstand the squeeze of the town’s goliaths.

how does the allusion to goliath affect readers’ understanding of the passage?

1. it shows the powerful effects of advertising.

1. it conveys how hopeless the restaurateur must feel.

1. it makes the restaurateur’s challenge seem daunting but surmountable.

1. it prepares readers for the restaurateur’s eventual and inevitable defeat.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the allusion to Goliath (from the David and Goliath story, where David (a small underdog) defeated the giant Goliath). The restaurateur is the "David" here, facing the "Goliath" - like chain restaurants.

• Option 1: The allusion is about the challenge, not advertising effects. Eliminate.
• Option 2: The restaurateur is determined, not hopeless. Eliminate.
• Option 3: Goliath was a daunting giant, but David overcame him. The restaurateur sees the chains' size as a challenge to work harder, so his challenge is daunting (like Goliath) but surmountable (like David's victory). This fits.
• Option 4: The passage shows he believes he can withstand, not that defeat is inevitable. Eliminate.

Answer:

1. It makes the restaurateur’s challenge seem daunting but surmountable.