Question

Select the correct answer.
What does this excerpt from Book 21 of Homer's Odyssey reveal about Ulysses’s wife, Penelope?

To whom the queen: "If fame engage your views,
Forbear those acts which infamy pursues;
Wrong and oppression no renown can raise;
Know, friend! that virtue is the path to praise.
The stature of our guest, his port, his face,
Speak him descended from no vulgar race.
To him the bow, as he desires, convey;
And to his hand if Phoebus give the day,
Hence, to reward his merit, be shall bear
A two-edged falchion and a shining spear,
Embroider'd sandals, a rich cloak and vest,
A safe conveyance to his port of rest."

A.
She knows that the beggar in disguise is Ulysses, so she defends him.
B.
She is fair, impartial, and not affected by a person’s social status.
C.
She is clever and wants to make a good impression on her suitors.
D.
She thinks the beggar will be a distraction to keep her son safe from the suitors.

Answer 1

@SmokeyBrown

Answer 2

I don't quite remember the events of the Odyssey to be completely sure about this question, but judging from the passage, it sounds like Penelope is met with someone who she has every reason to believe is of low social standing, but advocates for him to be treated as an honored guest.
With that in mind, I think B would make the most sense