Question

Read this excerpt from Herman Melville's "The Lightning-Rod Man," which contains a mythological allusion.

"Mr. Jupiter Tonans, I am not accustomed to be commanded in my own house."

"Call me not by that pagan name. You are profane in this time of terror."

Which of these statements best conveys the meaning of the allusion?

Answer 1

a. Jupiter Tonans is an allusion to thunder and lightning.

b. The writer exposes the salesman as a fraud.

c. The writer reinforces the storm motif by alluding to thunder and lightning references.

d. By referring to the lighting-rod man as Mr. Jupiter Tonans, a pagan god, the narrator is calling the salesman a pagan as well.