What does the following passage show about the progression of the character of odysseus? but he stood up against it – steady as a rock, unstaggered by antinous's blow – just shook his head, silent, mind churning with thoughts of bloody work. it illustrates odysseus's maturation; earlier in the story, he would have likely retaliated due to anger. it illustrates odysseus's decline, as he prepares to give in to his anger and thoughts of violence. it illustrates odysseus' growing understanding of the nature of the behavior of other men, as he can relate to the frustration of antinous. it illustrates odysseus's strengthened connection to antinous; earlier in the story, he might have thrown him out of the kingdom for the behavior.