What is the literal meaning of "they acquire gold as if it were corn grains

How does the author use the actions of neptune over the course of the text to develop the theme? a) neptune goes out of his way to bless ulysses and his men in their attempts to journey home. b) neptune speaks to the other gods throughout the excerpt and warns them about problems caused by ulysses. c) neptune caused the deaths of the sailors by placing them in the way of the cattle of the sun-god hyperion. d) neptune causes trouble for ulysses throughout the excerpt, making it impossible for him to settle down with family.