Question

Read the following line from "The Olympic Swimmer."
"Like fish at play in Neptune's sea"
The reference to Neptune in this line is most likely intended as a(n) ________ allusion.
a. biblical
b. literary
c. historical
d. mythological

Answer 1

I'd say the correct answer is D - mythological. Because Neptune is the god of freshwater and the sea in Roman mythology, and he has a counterpart in Greek mythology - Poseidon. 

Answer 2

The reference to Neptune in this line of "The Olympic Swimmer." is most likely intended as a mythological allusion.

When refering to Neptune, the author of "The Olympic Swimmer" is alluding  the god of freshwater and the sea in Roman religion. He is the counterpart of the Greek god Poseidon. Neptune was the brother of Jupiter and Pluto; the brothers presided over the realms of Heaven, the earthly world, and the Underworld. Salacia was his wife.