Question

what does the word compassionate mean as it is used in this sentence? (paragraph 7) good natured, as giants proverbially are, atlas threw the apples on the grass beside him, and assumed the incumbent weight; but hercules, instead of preparing to resume it, picked up the apples, leaving atlas alone, in the same plight as he had found him, there to remain until some more compassionate hero should come and set him free. options: daring, intelligent, powerful, sympathetic

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "compassionate" in the sentence, we analyze the context. The text says Atlas left Hercules alone to remain until a "compassionate hero" came to set him free. The options are daring, intelligent, powerful, or sympathetic. "Sympathetic" means showing kindness or concern for others' suffering, which fits the idea of a hero freeing someone out of compassion. "Daring" is about courage, "intelligent" about smarts, and "powerful" about strength—none match the context of showing mercy or concern as "sympathetic" does.

Answer:

sympathetic