Question

read the excerpt from the odyssey
but the man skilled in all ways of contending,
satisfied by the great bows look and heft,
like a musician, like a harper, when
with quiet hand upon his instrument
he draws between his thumb and forefinger
a sweet new string upon a peg so effortlessly
odysseus in one motion strung the bow
according to this excerpt, how has odysseus changed over the course of his adventure?
he has become more humble and patient in battle.
he has learned to play the harp very beautifully
he has found several new ways to string a bow
he has slowly become less satisfied with his skills

Explanation:

To determine how Odysseus has changed, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: The excerpt compares Odysseus stringing the bow to a musician playing a harp "with quiet hand" and doing it "effortlessly" in one motion. This shows a calm, patient, and humble approach (unlike his earlier impulsive self), so this fits.
• Option 2: The harp is a simile for his bow - stringing, not that he learned to play the harp. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The excerpt shows he strings the bow in one motion, not finding new ways. Eliminate.
• Option 4: The text says he is "satisfied by the great bow’s look and heft" and strings it effortlessly, so he is satisfied, not less. Eliminate.

Answer:

A. He has become more humble and patient in battle.