How Does Telemachus String The Bow In The Odyssey

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The Odyssey, by Homer, there is a story of the protagonist Odysseus and a challenge to marry Penelope. Penelope offers her hand in marriage to whoever can string the bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axeheads. Homer utilizes the bow to symbolize kingship and power. Many suitors attempt the string the bow but are unable to do so. Then a disguised Odysseus is allowed to try. Odysseus strings the bow and takes back his thrown. This symbolizes the authority of the house as Odysseus reclaims his house by stringing the bow. Odysseus strings the bow “without any strain” and is compared to having godlike strength. This represents the incredible strength that Odysseus possessed and his ability to win any battle. In addition, it makes the comparison of Odysseus to a …show more content…
Telemachus tries a few times but is advised to stop by his father Odysseus. This symbolizes how close Telemachus is to replacing his father. By being the only one who can string the bow Odysseus asserts his dominance over the other suitors proves that the other suitors’ attempts to take his wife have been in vain. Odysseus goes on to show his dominance by killing all the other suitors after he had disguised himself. Odysseus display that he is the only one fir to rule the people of Ithaca not only in strength but also in intelligence. This ruse that he pulls on the suitors plotting against him reveals his intelligence and exposes their ignorance. Odysseus puts forth this plan to show the whole world how powerful he is and the strength he wields. Furthermore, the author notes the similarities between the warrior and the bard by comparing the bow and the harp. He compares the warrior to musician or harper, carefully drawing the string in which he uses to convey a story. Earlier in the story, the author gives a backstory explaining how Odysseus obtained the bow. This narrative explains that the bow also represents the importance that Odysseus puts on
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