Read the excerpt from the odyssey. “stranger, you are no longer what you were just now! your cloak is new; even your skin! you are one of the gods who rule the sweep of heaven! be kind to us, we’ll make you fair oblation and gifts of hammered gold. have mercy on us! ”                         what is the symbolism of the new cloak in this excerpt? a) the new cloak represents odysseus’s love for his wife, penelope, and his grown son, telemachus. b) the new cloak represents odysseus’s great wealth and successful journey. c) the new cloak represents odysseus’s transformation from a weary traveler to the returning hero. d) the new cloak represents odysseus’s changed character from innocent young man to power-hungry ruler.

Hey there! Let's look at this problem!

First let's find what's needed in your question:

What is the symbolism of the new cloak in this excerpt? 

Define symbolism: the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Read excerpt: 
“Stranger, you are no longer what you were just now! Your cloak is new; even your skin! You are one of the gods who rule the sweep of heaven! Be kind to us, we’ll make you fair oblation and gifts of hammered gold. Have mercy on us!”

(Gods who rule the sweep of heaven= positive)
(Mercy on us= Negative; mercy for what?)

Reading over our options: 

A) The new cloak represents Odysseus’s love for his wife, Penelope, and his grown son, Telemachus. 
Option A seems off topic. 

B) The new cloak represents Odysseus’s great wealth and successful journey.
 Seems to be missing something. 

C) The new cloak represents Odysseus’s transformation from a weary traveler to the returning hero.
"Stranger, you are no longer what you were just now..." 

D) The new cloak represents Odysseus’s changed character from innocent young man to power-hungry ruler.
This seems intriguing, but maybe not.  

From what I can see, the most likely answer provided is C.