Question

read the excerpt from the odyssey
but the man skilled in all ways of contending,
satisfied by the great bow’s 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:

The excerpt compares Odysseus stringing the bow to a musician (harper) playing an instrument with quiet, effortless skill. This shows a change from his earlier impulsive self—now he’s patient and humble in his actions (battle - related context of using the bow). The other options are incorrect: he isn't learning to play the harp (it's a metaphor), there's no mention of new bow - stringing methods, and he is satisfied with his skill (as seen from "satisfied by the great bow’s look and heft" and his effortless action).

Answer:

A. He has become more humble and patient in battle