The Bronze Bow

by

Elizabeth George Speare

Marcus Character Analysis

Marcus is a blond Roman soldier who often visits Daniel’s blacksmith shop, to Daniel’s chagrin. Unbeknownst to Daniel, Marcus has befriended Leah and visits her when Daniel isn’t home. Marcus is from a German warrior tribe, he is homesick, and he has no particular loyalty to the Romans; he serves in the army so that he’ll get citizenship one day. He begins talking to Leah in halting Aramaic over the garden wall, and they grow fond of one another. When Daniel finds out, he furiously forbids them from seeing each other. However, after he becomes Jesus’s follower, Daniel gives up his hatred of the Romans and invites Marcus to see Leah once last time before he leaves for a different army posting.
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Marcus Character Timeline in The Bronze Bow

The timeline below shows where the character Marcus appears in The Bronze Bow. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 22
Trust, Dependence, and Friendship Theme Icon
...When Daniel asks where she got them, Leah admits that they were a present from Marcus—the soldier who comes on horseback. Daniel immediately throws a pomegranate against the wall. He flies... (full context)
Love vs. Vengeance Theme Icon
Earthly Hopes vs. Heavenly Values Theme Icon
...finally calms down enough to ask Leah how she knows this man. Leah explains that Marcus has been her friend since last summer. He sits on his horse and talks to... (full context)
Chapter 24
Love vs. Vengeance Theme Icon
...with the message that Leah is dying. While he’s waiting, he sees the Roman soldier Marcus outside his door. Marcus seems to embody all of Daniel’s hatred and rage, but he... (full context)
Love vs. Vengeance Theme Icon
Every day, Marcus stands across the street and watches Daniel’s house. One day, he forces Daniel to stop.... (full context)
Love vs. Vengeance Theme Icon
Leadership: Power vs. Service Theme Icon
Earthly Hopes vs. Heavenly Values Theme Icon
...street, all he sees is the Roman soldier. He struggles for words, and finally tells Marcus that Leah’s fever is gone; she will be well. He looks away in shock when... (full context)