Final answer:
Homer appears to think the shenai is worse compared to an unnamed but presumably more distressing experience, likely linked to spiritual or existential suffering shown in the text or philosophical ideas as highlighted by Glaucon and the Stoics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpt suggests that Homer compares the sound of the shenai unfavorably against some unnamed, implicit standard, likely a situation or experience that is worse than the sound. However, without additional context, it's not possible to determine precisely what Homer thinks the shenai is worse than. The reference to the spiritual destitution of a man in the poem may imply that Homer finds the state of his inner turmoil and contemplation of "wicked deeds" to be of greater concern than the unpleasant sound of the shenai, amplifying the theme of despair over material or sonic discomforts. Similarly, the mention of Glaucon and the Stoics presents a philosophical standpoint that might influence Homer's perceived hierarchy of woes, comparing the intellectual disdain for false notions to the disagreeable auditory experience.