Book five of the Odessy questions In the passage below from Book 5 of The Odyssey, identify the epic simile and explain: (1) what is the comparison being made, and (2) what is the significance of the comparison in the context of the passage? (Consider, how does the comparison help convey the impact of the event?) In your answer, begin with a clear topic sentence that answers the question. Also, be sure to incorporate textual evidence in referencing particular aspects of the simile and provide the proper MLA citation. (Od. Book#.line#)

At that a massive wave came crashing down on his head, a terrific onslaught spinning his craft round and round- he was thrown clear of the decks -- the steering-oar wrenched from his grasp - And in one lightning attack the brawling galewinds struck full-force, snapping the mast mid-shaft and hurling the sail and sailyard far across the sea. He went under a good long while, no fast way out, no struggling up from under the giant wave's assault, his clothing dragged him down-divine Calypso's gifts- bitter brine, streams of it pouring down his head. But half-drowned as he was, he'd not forget his craft- he lunged after her through the breakers, laying hold and huddling amidships, fled the stroke of death. Pell-mell the rollers tossed her along down-current, wild as the North Wind tossing thistle along the fields at high harvest-dry stalks clutching each other tightly-- so the galewinds tumbled her down the sea, this way, that way, now the South Wind flinging her over to the North to sport with, Now the East Wind giving her up to West to harry on and on.