Search from various English teachers...
cyanstar
What does it mean 'true-made bow'?
I'm reading a book about Circe, where Odysseus describes his wife as a fixed star, a true-made bow because she is constant in all things. I don't get what a 'true-made bow' means. Enlighten me, please!
Jul 17, 2019 9:06 AM
Answers · 3
1
One of the many meanings of 'true' includes the idea of 'straight'. If a bow is made true, it is made correctly, so that the arrows it fires will reach their destination accurately. A bow which isn't true is distorted or malformed, so that the arrows won't fly in a straight line.
While Odysseus wandered, Penelope remained 'true' in all its meanings: faithful, fixed, reliable and constant. It's a beautiful metaphor.
July 17, 2019
Well a 'bow' is a weapon you use. 'Bow and arrow'. So maybe it has a metaphoric meaning like she's strong and well-made.
Apart from that, 'true-made bow' has no literal meaning.
July 17, 2019
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
cyanstar
Language Skills
English, Korean
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
11 likes · 8 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
13 likes · 11 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
10 likes · 4 Comments
More articles