By explaining the concept of being an “also-ran,” the author describes someone who enjoys participating in a contest even though he or she does not win. The quotation from paragraph 9 expresses the author's positive viewpoint of “also-rans” who “finish third in a three-horse race.
The allusion refers to Greek Gods.
A step-dame (stepmother) and dowager (widow holding property for her deceased husband) would make their son (or stepson) wait until they die to inherit all of the land or money.
Theseus is saying that he is tired of waiting for his wedding day to Hippolyta, comparing himself to that 'young man' waiting for his dowager or stepdame to die because to him, Hippolyta is a great fortune.
The right reference that you would use to find out more about the location of the river Cosumnes River is an atlas. The correct answer is option A. At atlas is a book that contains illustrations of charts and maps of various parts of the Earth. The word "Atlas" comes from the name of a Greek god "Atlas" who is known to be a Titan who supported and carried the Earth on his shoulders.
