Book 21-Contest With The Bow

As the suitors and I sat in my hall, Penelope came with my prized bow. She offered to marry the first one who could string it and send an arrow through the iron axe-helve sockets. My son went first at the contest. He finally almost got it, but he saw the look I gave him that said to stop. I wanted the suitors to try at the contest. The first suitor couldn't pull back the bow, so they decided to rub lard on it, which they thought would loosen it up a bit. However, this did not help one bit. While they struggled in their efforts, I left the hall with the swineherd and the cowherd. I revealed my identity to them after they promised to help me in my fight. I told them of the plan, and we were set to execute it. I came back into the hall, and the suitors had all gone without any luck. They said they would try the next day, but I asked for my own turn. I knew they were afraid I would do it, but they insulted me instead and didn't want me to have my turn. Telemakhos, my great son, ordered them to give me a chance, and Eumaios brought me my fine bow. When I finally laid my hands on the polished bows, I checked every spot of it. When I was ready, I pulled the bow back as the suitors' mouths dropped in shock. I let the arrow fly right through the sockets. I gave Telemakhos the sign, and he drew his sword.

When I asked for my turn with the bow and arrow, the suitors insulted me for asking for a turn. Antinoos said to me, "...I promise you great trouble if you touch that bow. You'll come by no indulgence in our house..." (400). Can you believe this? Our house? Who does he think he is, the great Odysseus himself? How dare he ever speak like that. I am the rightful owner of this house and the king of Ithaka. Antinoos and all of the suitors will pay for disrespecting me.

When Penelope told the suitors to give me a chance, Telemakhos stepped in and took control of the situation. He said, "This question of the bow will be for the men to settle, most of all for me. I am master here," (402). My son is finally showing the leadership that he's had inside of him all along. He knew that the suitors weren't going to listen to my wife, so he stepped up to the challenge and took his responsibility. A sign of his growing up. When a person doesn't have anybody else to take control of a situation, they step up to the challenge and a leader is born.