Answered

It was midnight. A herculean task confronted the small army of liberty-loving men. Only four hours of darkness remained in which to work in
secrecy toward fortifying the height. With the break of dawn, discovery was inevitable. For then all movements... on the crest of the hill would be
plainly visible to the eyes of the British on board the men-of-war Falcon, Lively and Somerset, lying in Charles River, as well as to the enemy force
occupying Copp's Hill, just across the stream.
(from "Bunker Hill" by Chelsea Curtis Fraser)
Which does the description "herculean" indicate about the army's task?
1. It will probably be discovered.
2. It will take longer than four hours.
3. It will be critical to the army's success.
4. It will be nearly impossible to complete.



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
The description "herculean" in the passage indicates that the army's task will be nearly impossible to complete. This term suggests that the task is extremely challenging, daunting, and requires exceptional effort and strength to accomplish. It conveys the idea that the task is of immense difficulty and scale, likening it to the legendary feats of Hercules from Greek mythology.

1. The word "herculean" implies that the task will be very challenging and demanding, making it likely that it will be difficult to execute without encountering significant obstacles.
2. Given the intensity and magnitude associated with the term "herculean," it suggests that the task may require more time and effort than what is typically feasible within the limited four-hour timeframe mentioned in the passage.
3. The use of "herculean" does not explicitly state that the task will be critical to the army's success; instead, it emphasizes the monumental nature of the challenge itself.
4. The term "herculean" strongly indicates that the task will be nearly impossible to complete due to its extraordinary difficulty, complexity, and scale, requiring exceptional determination and effort from the army to even attempt it.