The author most likely included this paragraph to explain some of the reasons for downplaying the seriousness of the situation.
describe the ways in which people overreact whenever danger is suspected.
persuade the reader that newspapers always blow things out of proportion.
illustrate the idea that scientists frequently have to hide the truth from civilians.

What theme is best revealed by this conflict? a.)with cooperation, crews can defeat the gods. b.)dangerous ocean travel claims many lives. c.)rest is required for all who work hard. d.)people must respect the wrath of the gods. read the excerpt from part 1 of the odyssey. now zeus the lord of cloud roused in the north a storm against the ships and driving veils of the squall moved down like night on land and sea. the bows went plunging at the gust; sails cracked and lashed outstrips in the big wind. we saw death in that fury, dropped the yards, unshipped the oars, and pulled for the nearest lee: then two long days and nights we lay offshore.