Question

"So they mocked, but Odysseus, mastermind in action,

once he'd handled the great bow and scanned every inch,
then, like an expert singer skilled at lyre and song—
who strains a string to a new peg with ease,
making the pliant sheep-gut fast at either end—
so with his virtuoso ease Odysseus strung his mighty bow.
Quickly his right hand plucked the string to test its pitch
and under his touch it sang out clear and sharp as a swallow's cry."

What specific actions does Odysseus take to demonstrate his mastery of the bow, and how does the bow respond?

Answer 1

Odysseus shows his mastery of the bow by examining, stringing, and testing it with ease, creating a clear, sharp sound akin to a swallow's cry.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Homer's The Odyssey, Odysseus demonstrates his mastery of the bow by handling it with ease, much like a skilled musician would with a lyre.

He inspects the bow meticulously, ensuring it is in good condition, then strings it effortlessly, likened to the simple task of tuning a musical instrument for a seasoned performer.

Once the bow is strung, he tests the string with a deft touch, resulting in a sound that is clear and sharp, a testament to both his proficiency and the quality of the bow which responds with precision, akin to a swallow's cry.