Final answer:
The statement is true as Levi's reference to the Tantalus myth aptly describes the torment of being unable to attain something desired, mirroring the essence of his own nightmare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's reference to the myth of Tantalus is accurate in conveying the sense of punishment by unfulfilled desire experienced in Levi's nightmare. In Greek mythology, Tantalus was condemned for eternity to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree with low branches, with the fruit ever eluding his grasp, and the water always receding before he could take a drink. This comparison effectively illustrates the agony and frustration of desire that can never be satisfied, akin to Levi's experience of being surrounded by food yet unable to eat it.
In literature, utilizing mythology to capture the essence of a character's torment underscores the universality of certain human experiences. The myth of Tantalus has often been referenced to describe situations of tantalizing but unattainable rewards, much like Levi's nightmare. Therefore, the statement that Levi refers to the Tantalus myth to describe his nightmare is true. This allusion deepens our understanding of Levi's psychological state and the torturous nature of his dream.