The bow reminds Penelope of her missing husband, Odysseus, and stirs up emotions of longing and sorrow for him. It symbolizes the absence and uncertainty of his return, leading her to tears as she ponders his fate and their future.
Penelope tests her visitors by seeing who can string the bow and shoot it
she will marry them
The Beggar
she will marry them
Pearls Bring Tears was created in 1937.
Eumaeus, the swineherd was commanded to set the bow and iron axes for the contest.
Penelope tests her visitors by setting up a challenge involving her husband Odysseus's bow. She challenges the suitors to string and shoot an arrow through a line of twelve axe heads in order to prove their worthiness to marry her.
Odysseus's skill in archery and his cleverness enable him to succeed in Penelope's bow challenge. Additionally, his determination, patience, and ability to maintain composure under pressure help him complete the task successfully.
Penelope tells Eurymachus that people already think low of them for being leeches on her house, and that no one will think any less of them if the beggar does string the bow. If the beggar does string the bow, she will give him some clothes, sandals, sword and javelin for him to travel with.
Telemachus was the son of Odysseus and Penelope. It was Helen of Troy who noticed the tears of Telemachus and told him that he looked like Odysseus.
Let him try
Let him try.