Comment by bawana

The effect of stiffness can also be represented by stretchability of the string. Picking up a string with a free end will result in the same shape described by adding stiffness. A fanciful analogy might be a chain of springs with constant k2 where each spring junction is anchored to the ground with a spring with constant k1. If k2>>k1 the entire spring chain lifts in a gentle arc when a spring is lifted. If k1>>k2, only the springs near the pulling point really stretch and displace. It’s these kinds of simple analogies that engage our intuition. I still however cannot envision a mechanical analogy to demonstrate wavicles.