What directly causes the Athenians to hide in their homes? The return of spring The arrival of the Cretan soldiers The arrival of Theseus The oppressive rule of King Aegeus
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: The arrival of the Cretan soldiers.
In the myth of Theseus, the Athenians are forced into submission by the island of Crete following the death of King Minos’ son, Androgeus. As punishment, Crete imposes a cruel tribute on Athens: every nine years, seven Athenian boys and seven Athenian girls must be sent to Crete to be sacrificed to the Minotaur—a monstrous creature kept in a labyrinth. This tribute is a constant source of fear and sorrow for the people of Athens.
The arrival of the Cretan soldiers directly causes the Athenians to hide in their homes. These soldiers come to Athens to collect the tribute, and their presence is a grim reminder of the suffering and death the city endures under Cretan dominance. The Athenians retreat indoors not only out of fear of the soldiers themselves but also because the occasion marks the forced separation of their children—many of whom are taken never to return. The streets become desolate, filled only with the echoes of grief and mourning.
This reaction reveals the psychological and emotional toll the tribute has taken on Athens. The once-proud city lives in dread of these regular visits, their normal lives disrupted by the cycle of loss. It also sets the stage for Theseus’ heroism. By volunteering to be one of the tributes, Theseus defies this system of fear and aims to liberate his city from this curse. The Athenians’ retreat into their homes highlights the contrast between the general populace’s helplessness and Theseus’ courage.
Thus, the arrival of the Cretan soldiers functions as both a literal and symbolic moment of oppression, sparking a city-wide reaction of sorrow and fear, which underscores the need for a hero to challenge the unjust cycle of sacrifice.
