What is Sindbad most motivated by in this passage? fatigue and curiosity discomfort and peace work and pleasure hunger and greed
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Hunger and greed
Explanation (300 words):
In the classic tales of Sindbad the Sailor from One Thousand and One Nights, Sindbad is portrayed as an adventurous merchant who embarks on multiple voyages that bring him into contact with danger, mystery, and vast wealth. In many of these stories, Sindbad’s motivation is not simply survival or the thrill of exploration—it is often driven by hunger and greed, both metaphorically and literally.
For example, in one of his voyages, Sindbad finds himself stranded on an island with little food or shelter. His hunger pushes him to search for sustenance, which often leads to unexpected encounters or treasure. But beyond physical hunger, greed plays a stronger role in shaping his decisions. Despite surviving multiple life-threatening adventures, Sindbad repeatedly chooses to return to sea, driven by the desire to gain more wealth and riches.
Greed, in this context, is not necessarily painted as a negative trait. In traditional literature like the Sindbad tales, it is often interwoven with the theme of ambition. However, Sindbad’s endless pursuit of riches frequently results in hardship, reminding readers that unchecked greed can lead to peril.
The other options—fatigue and curiosity, discomfort and peace, and work and pleasure—are less accurate because they do not encapsulate the core motivations that drive Sindbad’s repeated risky voyages. Though curiosity may play a small role, it is ultimately the promise of treasure and the need for survival through food or wealth that compel him to act.
In summary, Sindbad’s actions in the passage and across his tales show that his primary motivations are hunger (immediate survival needs) and greed (the desire for more wealth). These motivations consistently push him into new and perilous adventures.