Book 21 John Morph Is

Odysseus Strings His Bow Book 21 By: John Morphis

Penelope’s Agreement 





Penelope fetches Odysseus’ old bow out of storage. She agrees to marry any of the suitors that are able to string the bow and shoot it through 12 axes. Sounds very good to the suitors

Fail, Fail, Fail… 





First Telemachus tries to string the bow, but is unable to do so. Each of the suitors try to accomplish the stringing, but all seem to fall short. One of the suitors even uses grease to string it, but this is proven to be unsuccessful.

The “Sneak Out” 





Eumaeus and Philoetius leave the competition for a short while, unknowing that the disguised Odysseus is following them. Here, Odysseus reveals himself and proves to them that it is him by showing the scar on his foot Makes them a deal: He will treat the two men as if they were his sons, if they agree to help him fight against the suitors.

It’s A Real Man’s Job    

Eurymachus cannot string the bow, and he becomes extremely disgraced Telemachus orders the bow to be given to Odysseus Odysseus strings the bow with ease and shoots through the 12 axes with ease. From here on, the suitors know that he is much more of a man than they will ever be.

Analysis 



It is clear that Telemachus is still unable to fill the role of his father, Odysseus. He is physically fit and almost identical in structure, but he has not yet been able to fill the shoes of his father.