Odysseus is disguised as an old beggar. When he takes up
the bow, some of the suitors laugh him to scorn. They ridicule the old beggar, not
realizing it is Odysseus. The suitors are despicable. They have taken advantage of
Penelope and Telemachus. They have eaten more than their share and have drunk so much
wine. They have worn out their welcome. Most importantly, they are planning to kill
Telemachus.
When Penelope creates the contest of agreeing
to marry whoever can string the bow and shoot it through a series of small circles, the
suitors make fun of the old beggar, knowing or thinking he is too old to string the
bow.
When Odysseus does string the bow, he wins the
contest. This is when he reveals himself to the suitors who realize they are about to
die at the hand of the hero Odysseus. Odysseus is alive and well, and he takes back his
kingdom.
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