The Bronze Bow Characters
The main characters in The Bronze Bow are Daniel bar Jamin, Leah bar Jamin, Rosh, and Jesus of Nazareth.
- Daniel bar Jamin is a Jewish eighteen-year-old who is consumed by hatred for the Romans occupying Israel. He escapes enslavement, joins a rebel band, and ultimately embraces the teachings of Jesus.
- Leah bar Jamin is Daniel’s fifteen-year-old sister. Initially traumatized by the Romans’ violence, she comes into her own over the course of the novel.
- Rosh is the selfish, vengeful leader of the rebel group that Daniel joins and later leaves.
- Jesus of Nazareth is a preacher who exemplifies selflessness and the power of love.
Daniel bar Jamin
Eighteen-year-old Daniel has escaped slavery by living in the hills above Galilee. When Daniel meets Joel and Thacia, it has been five years since he has seen anyone from his hometown. He has been estranged even from the sole survivors of his family—his grandmother and his younger sister, Leah.
Throughout most of the novel, Daniel is motivated solely by his consuming hatred for the Romans who have killed his father and his uncle. He also blames the Romans for his mother’s death from exposure and grief, for his own enslavement, for his sister’s madness, and for the eventual death of his grandmother. Daniel’s hate is so strong that he makes a solemn vow to God to avenge his parents and to work toward freeing Israel from Roman occupation for as long as he lives.
When Daniel meets Rosh, the rebel insurgent leader, he thinks he finds a kindred spirit. He wants to believe that Rosh is the leader for whom the Jews have been waiting, the promised messiah who will come to liberate the people of Israel from their captivity.
Daniel enlists the help of Joel and Thacia in his fight for freedom, but he continues to be motivated by hatred. Gradually, however, he hears a different message from Jesus. The words and actions of this decidedly unorthodox preacher begin to affect Daniel’s heart. He sees Jesus feed the hungry, heal the sick, and minister to the soul. Daniel begins to compare the characteristics of Jesus as a leader to those of Rosh’s alleged leadership.
When Joel is imprisoned because of actions directed by Rosh, and Rosh steadfastly refuses to intervene, Daniel makes the final break with the false leader. As Daniel grieves the loss of his friends Samson and Nathan, he remembers Jesus’s words of caution: “He who lives by the sword dies by the sword.”
After Jesus brings Leah back from the brink of death, Daniel is ready to make a leap of faith and follow the true messiah. By the end of the novel, he learns that “only love can bend the bow of bronze.”
Expert Q&A
What impact do Jesus's eyes have on Daniel in their first encounter in The Bronze Bow?
Jesus's eyes have a profound effect on Daniel when they come face to face for the first time in The Bronze Bow. Although Jesus's eyes are filled with warmth and friendship, they're also searching and demanding, and this makes Daniel feel scared.
In The Bronze Bow, what does Daniel believe his vow signifies?
Daniel initially believes his vow signifies a commitment to avenging his father's death by fighting and hating the Romans. This vow is strongly linked to his emotions of hatred and vengeance. However, as the story progresses, he makes a second vow with Joel and Thacia to fight for Israel's freedom, shifting his focus. Eventually, influenced by Jesus' teachings, Daniel realizes the power of love and forgiveness, transforming his vow into one of peace and God's victory.
In The Bronze Bow, why does Daniel get angry when Leah asks about his marriage?
Daniel gets angry when Leah asks about his marriage because it touches on his unresolved feelings and frustrations. Living with Rosh, he focused solely on defeating the Romans. However, back in the village, Daniel's interactions with Joel and Thacia stir new emotions and responsibilities, conflicting with his anti-Roman mission. Leah's question reminds him of his unfulfilled desires for a normal life, highlighting his anger at Rome for robbing him of a future, including marriage prospects with Thacia.
In The Bronze Bow, why does Daniel dislike the Capernaum synagogue?
Daniel dislikes the Capernaum synagogue because it symbolizes Roman oppression over his people, as it was built with Roman taxes. He views it as a desecration of Jewish faith, equating it with the stadium where gladiators die for public amusement. His hatred for the Romans is intense, fueled by personal loss, and he refuses to visit the synagogue, stating it is tainted with blood. This reflects his deep resentment towards Roman occupation.
In The Bronze Bow, why does Daniel feel homesick during his visit with his grandmother and Leah?
Daniel feels homesick during his visit with his grandmother and Leah because he struggles to reconnect with them after living with outlaws for years. His grandmother is frail, and his sister, Leah, barely remembers him. This disconnect makes him long for the familiarity of the outlaws' lifestyle, despite its harshness. His experiences have distorted his perspective on family and belonging, making the outlaws' camp feel more like home than his actual family.
What are two reasons Daniel feels he couldn't marry Thacia in The Bronze Bow?
In The Bronze Bow, Daniel falls in love with Thacia but believes he can never marry her, because of their different social classes and because of the vow he made to fight the Romans and avenge his parents' deaths.
In The Bronze Bow, who does Daniel consider when he thinks about his own softness?
Daniel considers his sister Leah, his grandmother, and Thacia when reflecting on his own softness. Rosh criticizes Daniel for having a "soft streak," likening it to a flaw in metal that needs to be hammered out. Despite his commitment to the Zealot cause, Daniel is torn between his revolutionary duties and his care for his loved ones, realizing that Rosh's group demands complete devotion, leaving no room for personal attachments.
In The Bronze Bow, does Daniel's vow to fight for Jesus contain flaws?
Daniel's vow to fight for God in "The Bronze Bow" contains flaws because it is driven by hatred for the Romans rather than understanding Jesus' message of love and peace. Although Daniel's vow is meant to honor God, it focuses on physical struggle rather than spiritual transformation. Jesus teaches that true victory comes from love, not violence, and aims to guide Daniel towards this realization, emphasizing that love must be felt within before it can be extended to others.
In The Bronze Bow, how does Daniel interpret Jesus's words about living and perishing by the sword?
Daniel initially struggles to understand Jesus's message that living by the sword leads to perishing by it, as his identity is tied to hatred for the Romans. His realization comes in Chapter 24, when Leah's illness reveals the destructive nature of his anger. He learns that his pursuit of violence harms himself and others. Ultimately, Daniel embraces Jesus's teachings of love, symbolized by inviting Marcus, a Roman soldier, into his home.
Why can't Daniel believe that Jesus is the Messiah in The Bronze Bow?
In The Bronze Bow, Daniel has difficulty accepting Jesus as the Messiah because Daniel is looking for a Messiah who will drive the Romans out of Israel by violence. Jesus is not that kind of Messiah, and Daniel cannot accept Jesus for Who He is until Jesus heals both Leah and Daniel himself.
Jesus of Nazareth
The unlikely preacher who may be the long-awaited messiah, Jesus exemplifies the power of love. He offers his message of tolerance and kindness to men, women, and children alike. It also does not matter to Jesus if the people who come to hear his message are Jews or not. Most people, Daniel included, are horrified that he would offer the kingdom of heaven to non-Jews, and the people are further startled that women receive not only his blessing but his attention as well. Not even children are excluded from his personal connection and love. He listens to them “as if they have something to say.” Jesus preaches that love is not just the way to redemption, but the only way into God’s kingdom.
Jesus’s model of leadership is contrasted throughout the novel with Rosh’s. Unlike the rebel leader, Jesus always acts selflessly. He tends to the poor, ill, and wounded even when he is exhausted. Jesus proves his love for his followers, and for all people, by ministering not only to their spiritual needs but also to their bodily requirements. Jesus knows that bellies must be full or at least satisfied before his message can be heard, so he miraculously feeds the thousand who come to him hungry. Furthermore, Jesus connects with his followers on a personal level. When Daniel must make the final leap of faith, Jesus is present in person, asking, but not demanding, Daniel to choose love over hate.
Leah bar Jamin
Leah is Daniel’s now fifteen-year-old sister. When she was just five, Leah witnessed her father’s crucifixion. Just a few weeks later, her mother died; later she lost her brother, first to slavery and then to Rosh in the mountains. Her screams in the night and subsequent agoraphobia caused the superstitious villagers to believe that Leah had become possessed by demons.
Despite her psychological trauma, Leah manages to emerge from her shell. Daniel’s return to the family helps, but Thacia’s tender care helps even more. Their interest in her welfare helps Leah see herself as valuable. When she builds up a little self-esteem, Leah is able to tentatively reach out to the Roman solider Marcus, who shows an interest in her.
The power of love is perhaps most strongly realized in Leah’s character, for love alone is able to transform her from a cowering, isolated girl into a welcoming and beautiful young woman. Furthermore, it is Leah who is able to reach out beyond the prejudices of her culture and extend love as Jesus does.
Joel bar Hezron
Also eighteen years old, Joel is the son of a rabbi. He has long lived a scholarly life, but like Daniel, Joel is tired of waiting for his people to be released from Roman occupation. He wants action and is willing to compromise his principles at first. He must lie to his father in order to hide Daniel and to pursue Rosh’s plans for vengeance. Joel endangers both his own life and his twin sister’s life when he follows Rosh.
Although he makes mistakes along the way, Joel is a caring person and a progressive young man. It is he who argues for Malthace’s inclusion in the vow to fight the aggressors. Joel also helps Daniel when he is injured. He proves to be a good and loyal friend and brother.
Another of Joel’s struggles is accepting Jesus’s way over the Law that he has grown up with and understands. He has to weigh everything he has ever known against what he has seen in Jesus. Ultimately, Joel—like Daniel, Thacia, and Simon before him—chooses to follow Jesus.
Expert Q&A
How would you describe Joel's character in The Bronze Bow?
Joel is an eighteen-year-old character who, alongside Daniel, is driven by nationalistic zeal against Roman occupation. Despite his studious background as the son of a scribe, Joel is deeply involved in the rebel cause, even lying to his father to do so. He is portrayed as sensitive, caring, and supportive, particularly towards Daniel. Joel's character also grapples with Jewish law and ultimately reevaluates his beliefs in light of Jesus' teachings.
What lesson does Joel learn in The Bronze Bow?
In The Bronze Bow, Joel learns the lesson that people are not always what they appear to be and that hatred is not the answer to anything. When Joel is captured by the Romans while spying for Rosh, the latter does nothing to save him, and his friends are killed in a rescue attempt. Joel comes to accept Jesus's message of faith and love.
Joel's motivation to follow and listen to Jesus in The Bronze Bow
Joel is motivated to follow and listen to Jesus because he is inspired by Jesus' message of love and redemption. Joel sees Jesus as a potential leader who can bring about the change he desires for his people, offering hope and a new perspective on freedom and resistance against Roman oppression.
Character Dynamics between Joel and Rosh in The Bronze Bow
The character dynamics between Joel and Rosh in The Bronze Bow are complex. Joel initially admires Rosh's resistance against Roman oppression, but over time he becomes disillusioned with Rosh's violent methods and selfish motives. This growing disillusionment leads Joel to question his own values and ultimately seek a more compassionate and just path.
Malthace bar Hezron
Malthace can be considered one of the three protagonists of this novel. Her character speaks for the power and purpose of women in the kingdom of God. Malthace is intelligent and fearless, and she consistently presents herself as an equal. Thacia also acts selflessly when she ministers to Daniel’s injuries and Leah’s emotional needs, and it is she who correctly interprets the passage from David regarding the “bow of bronze.”
However, Thacia is not perfect. She initially shuns Daniel when he arrives at her wealthy home in Capernaum. She is the one who comes up with the plan to fool the slaves of the wealthy landlords, which ultimately lands her beloved brother in jail. But she recognizes her mistakes, repents, and asks forgiveness, proving she is capable of emotional and spiritual growth.
Rosh
The rebel leader who finds Daniel and trains him to fight the Romans, Rosh earns his moniker of “outlaw” for good reason: he lies, cheats, and steals his way to personal spoils. Rosh regularly has sheep stolen from Jewish residents and orders the plunder of their crops. He claims that those stolen from should be grateful to donate to the cause and that “no real Jew” would begrudge the leader and his men sustenance.
As a leader, Rosh is pointedly contrasted to Jesus. Whereas Jesus is constantly among the people, Rosh is secluded. Jesus cares intimately for the spiritual and bodily needs of his followers, but Rosh makes sure only his own needs are taken care of. He does not care in the slightest for those who opt to follow him. While it is possible that at one time he had purer intentions, Rosh’s hatred and lust for revenge have warped his soul and distorted any original values he may have possessed.
Expert Q&A
In The Bronze Bow, why is Rosh angry about Samson's unauthorized cave departure?
Rosh is angry about Samson's unauthorized departure from the cave because it violates his orders for the band to lie low during a period of heightened public scrutiny. Samson's disobedience undermines Rosh's authority, as Samson is more loyal to Daniel than to Rosh. Although Rosh benefits from Samson's return with a stolen sheep, he refrains from punishing him due to Samson's strength, usefulness, and possible misunderstanding of the orders.
What is Rosh's main requirement for joining his band in The Bronze Bow?
Rosh's main requirement for joining his band is a deep hatred of the Romans and a willingness to fight them until they are expelled from Israel. He demands absolute obedience and has no tolerance for "weakness," defined as compassion for others. Rosh is driven by vengeance and uses his followers as mere tools for his cause, showing no concern for their welfare. His leadership is marked by ruthless actions and disregard for individual well-being.
What warning did Rosh give Joel before his return to the village in The Bronze Bow?
Before Joel goes down the mountain and back to the village, Rosh asks the boy if he can keep his mouth shut and his ears open. Joel replies that he can. While it seems that Rosh is warning the boy not to talk about his group, what he really wants is Joel's loyalty.
What did Rosh value more than the life of the old miser in The Bronze Bow?
Rosh valued the old miser's money more than his life, viewing it as essential for recruiting men to fight the Romans. He believed the miser's death would serve the greater good of the country's liberation, dismissing the loss of "one old man more or less." This contrasts with Jesus' view, which Daniel reflects on, recognizing that Jesus sees every person as valuable beyond their material usefulness.
Character Analysis and Comparison of Rosh, Daniel, and Simon in The Bronze Bow
In The Bronze Bow, Rosh is initially perceived by Daniel as a heroic leader aiming to overthrow Roman rule, but he is later revealed to be a selfish, manipulative bandit who prioritizes personal gain over genuine resistance. This contrasts with Simon the Zealot, who, inspired by Jesus, rejects violence for a path of love and peace. Daniel, influenced by both Rosh and Simon, ultimately embraces Jesus's teachings, recognizing the futility of Rosh's violent methods and the value of compassion and understanding.
Rosh's motives for capturing a slave in The Bronze Bow
Rosh's motives for capturing a slave in The Bronze Bow are primarily strategic. He intends to use the slave for labor and as leverage against the Romans. This action aligns with his broader goal of rebellion and gaining power in his fight against Roman occupation.
Grandmother
Daniel and Leah’s grandmother takes in the children after their parents die. Little more than a peasant herself, the grandmother cannot provide for her growing grandchildren, so she feels that she must sell Daniel to the local blacksmith, Amalek, in order to survive. Her story is quite pitiable. To support even Leah, each day the grandmother follows along behind the threshers and collects the grain that they leave behind.
Despite her financial hardships, however, it is clear that their grandmother loves both of her grandchildren. When she is dying, she asks for Daniel to come home and hangs on long enough to see him one more time.
Marcus
Marcus is the first Roman soldier Daniel must perform work for in Simon’s shop. Marcus represents the dreaded “other,” the physical manifestation of those who are not Jews but are nonetheless accepted into God’s kingdom. Marcus proves his strength of character through respect for Daniel and his gentle and consistent wooing of Leah. He is not weak; he answers Daniel’s anger with stoic resolve and continues to pursue the woman with whom he has fallen in love.
Marcus will prove to be the ultimate test for Daniel, who, after accepting the way of Jesus in word, must prove it in action. When the two men finally come together, the hope and promise of peace in Israel becomes a more tangible reality.
Ebol
Ebol is the young sentry who works as lookout for Rosh. He is not largely drawn but still wields a bit of passive-aggressive power. In chapter 10, Ebol waits three days before giving Daniel the message that Daniel’s grandmother is dying. In Rosh’s world, where there is little room for personal expression, Ebol may be trying to wrest some power of his own. His actions are indicative of the self-serving attitude that pervades the camp.
Simon the Zealot
Simon has left everything he has known to follow Jesus. And like Jesus, Simon does not beg or demand that others join him in following God’s love. All people must be free to choose grace on their own. Like Jesus, Simon leads by example. He asks Daniel probing questions about Rosh’s true nature, but he does not comment after Daniel fails to follow Jesus.
Like Daniel, Simon has endured the brutality of slavery. He needs money but does not value it above following Jesus. Simon closes his shop and gives away everything he has in order to be with Jesus.
Expert Q&A
In The Bronze Bow, why is Simon convinced that Jesus is the Messiah?
Simon is convinced that Jesus is the Messiah because of Jesus' empathy and love, which contrasts with the violence of other leaders like Rosh. Simon values peace and acceptance, and he sees Jesus' miracles, such as creating bread and healing the sick, as manifestations of God's love. Jesus' refusal to be crowned king after performing miracles reinforces Simon's belief in him as the true Messiah, showing a God who cares for all, especially the marginalized.
What were Simon's initial and current hopes when joining Jesus in The Bronze Bow?
Initially, Simon hoped to persuade Jesus to join the rebel band led by Rosh to overthrow the Romans. However, after hearing Jesus' teachings about a Heavenly Kingdom and a loving God, Simon's hopes changed. Now, he longs for Jesus to invite him to join in his mission, reflecting a shift from political rebellion to spiritual alignment with Jesus' message.
What message from Simon prompts Daniel to leave the mountain in The Bronze Bow?
Simon informs Daniel that his grandmother is dying and that Amalek, the man Daniel feared returning to, is dead. This news prompts Daniel to leave the mountain as he no longer needs to hide from Amalek. Upon returning to the village, Daniel discovers his grandmother and sister in dire conditions. He breaks into their home, cares for his grandmother until her death, and decides to stay to look after his sister, despite his desire to return to the mountain.
Why did Simon tell Daniel he would occasionally have to serve a Roman in The Bronze Bow?
Simon tells Daniel he must occasionally serve Romans in the blacksmith shop to prevent potential repercussions. Simon explains that refusing a Roman soldier's request could provoke anger and lead to violent retaliation against the entire town. Therefore, to avoid endangering others, Daniel must perform necessary blacksmith tasks for Romans, despite his personal disdain. This situation arises when Simon offers Daniel the opportunity to manage the shop and live there with his sister.
Reasons for Simon's visit to Daniel in The Bronze Bow
Simon visits Daniel in The Bronze Bow to inform him about Amalek's death and to invite him to return to the village. Simon believes Daniel's skills as a blacksmith are needed and hopes Daniel will join the fight against the Romans. Additionally, Simon wants to introduce Daniel to Jesus, whose teachings he finds compelling.
Samson
Samson is the mute giant rescued from the prison galleys by Daniel. Samson may be the most pure character in the novel, for he has no other motivation other than love and gratitude. He follows Daniel around constantly and watches out for him incessantly. It is Samson who provides the living, and dying, example of Jesus’s maxim that “no greater love has a man than this, that he should lay down his life for his friends.”
Expert Q&A
In The Bronze Bow, why is Samson more loyal to Daniel than to Rosh?
Samson is more loyal to Daniel than to Rosh because Daniel is the one who physically frees him from his chains, creating a personal bond. Although Rosh orders the release, Samson perceives Daniel as his liberator and rightful "owner," leading to his intense loyalty. This loyalty endures despite Samson's limited understanding, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice to save Daniel, highlighting his deep gratitude and devotion.
How does Samson demonstrate his intelligence in The Bronze Bow?
In The Bronze Bow, Samson proves that he isn't stupid by saving Daniel and Joel's lives. Samson also diverts the attention of the Roman soldiers away from the rebels and allows himself to be captured. In doing so, he buys enough time for Daniel and Joel to be pulled to safety.
In The Bronze Bow, how does Samson's celebration of Daniel's return bother him?
Samson's celebration of Daniel's return bothers Daniel because it highlights his discomfort with receiving special attention. After being injured, Daniel is carried by Samson back to the cave and is cared for with special treatment, such as being fed the best meat and given wine, which demonstrates Samson's loyalty. Despite this care, Daniel, who values self-reliance and independence, likely feels uneasy being the center of attention and receiving preferential treatment.
The significance and name of Samson in "The Bronze Bow"
In "The Bronze Bow," Samson is a mute, enslaved man who becomes fiercely loyal to Daniel, the protagonist. His significance lies in his unwavering dedication and strength, which play crucial roles in aiding Daniel and his group. Despite his silence, Samson's actions speak volumes, symbolizing the power of loyalty and sacrifice in the fight for freedom.
Amalek
Amalek is the blacksmith to whom Daniel had been sold for a period of ten years. Amalek may be fairly well-to-do, because he has at least two indentured servants working for him, Daniel and Simon. Although Amalek has had some financial success in life, he dies without “a relative to his name, nor friend either.”
Expert Q&A
The character and fate of Amalek in The Bronze Bow
Amalek is a cruel blacksmith who exploits and abuses Daniel, the protagonist of The Bronze Bow. His harsh treatment drives Daniel to escape and join a band of rebels. Amalek's fate is to die in a confrontation with the rebels, which liberates Daniel from his oppressive control and allows him to pursue his quest for freedom and justice.
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