The atmosphere of neglect and abandonment was almost tangible.
Well if there is a person walking by they may say what they look like but how they act becasue its just not inported to the story
I believe that the best answer for this question is "Odysseus waves him off." After he tries four times, it appears as though Telemachus might actually succeed in stringing the bow, but the beggar (who is Odysseus in disguise) waves him off and attempts to do it instead. Telemachus obliges to the beggar and gives the bow to the next individual in line. Hope this helps.
