Final answer:
Odysseus' phrase about "letting the wind and steersman work the ship" illustrates his trust in the forces of nature and the expertise of his navigator, paralleling the larger theme of surrender and trust in the journey of life as found in 'The Odyssey' and ancient Greek literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Odysseus describes being at sail and "letting the wind and steersman work the ship," he is conveying a sense of surrender to the elements and trust in the skill of his crew. This reflects a common phenomenon in ancient seafaring where navigators relied heavily on natural forces like wind and currents to guide them and on the expertise of the helmsman to steer the vessel skilfully. It signifies a relinquishing of control, accepting that the journey is subject to the whims of nature and the gods, a recurring theme in both the The Odyssey and in ancient Greek literature more broadly where voyages are often symbolic of life's journey and the trials one must overcome.
Additionally, the helmsman's ability to care for himself and others, his self-control, political leadership, and the wisdom to navigate a skilled course through the tempestuous sea stands as a metaphor for Odysseus' own leadership and intelligence throughout his epic journey.