Read the excerpt from Part 4 of The Odyssey. we saw the funnel of the maelstrom, heard the rock bellowing all around, and dark sand raged on the bottom far below. My men all blanched against the gloom, our eyes were fixed upon that yawning mouth in fear of being devoured. Which statement best explains the metaphor in this excerpt? The whirlpool is compared to a mouth, showing its decreasing strength. The whirlpool is compared to a mouth, showing its menacing threat. The whirlpool is compared to a sandy beach, showing its proximity. The whirlpool is compared to a sandy beach, showing its familiarity.