Question 1A: Read the prompt, then respond.
Read the passage describing Achilles's effect on his men:
"Thus while he roused the fire in every breast,"
Close and more close the listening cohorts press'd;
Ranks wedged in ranks; of arms a steely ring
Still grows, and spreads, and thickens round the king.
As when a circling wall the builder forms,
Of strength defensive against wind and storms,
Compacted stones the thickening work compose,
And round him wide the rising structure grows:
So helm to helm, and crest to crest they throng,
Shield urged on shield, and man drove man along;
Thick, undistinguish'd plumes, together join'd,
Float in one sea, and wave before the wind."
What is the meaning of the extended simile in this passage? How does it add meaning to the text? Support your response using evidence from the text.