Which is a clue to the main idea of a text? a. the first and last paragraphs. b. the name of the main character. c. the culture of native language of the writer. d. the story’s unfamiliar vocabulary.

i think the answer is a.

faithful servants eumaeus and philaetius:

his ragged vest then drawn aside disclosed the sign conspicuous, and the scar exposed: eager they view'd, with joy they stood amazed with tearful eyes o'er all their master gazed:

these servants know ulysses by the scar he got when he was a child - so when he showed them the mark, they immediately knew this is truly their master and they hugged him, finally starting to believe his words.

the following what exactly?