HONORS DESIGNATION ONLY: Odyssey of My Life

Are you familiar with allegories? Read this document Links to an external site.for explanations and examples.

Now that we have finished reading Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, I want you to consider the parallels between the story of Odysseus and your own life.  Odysseus undertakes a sometimes exciting, sometimes perilous journey over a long period of time to reach his goal (getting home to Ithaca).  In this assignment, you will think about how challenges in your life compare to challenges Odysseus faces. What “monsters” will challenge you and tempt you, trying to keep you from the ultimate goal?  How is the Odyssey an allegory for your life?  Your assignment is to draw parallels between Odysseus’s journey and the one you will embark upon.  Write one paragraph for EACH of the following questions below:

1. Describe how The Odyssey is like an allegory about the journey through life.  Give specific examples. 
2. How are some of the challenges and obstacles Odysseus faces similar to the challenges you have encountered in life? Provide specific examples. 
3. How are some of the challenges and obstacles Odysseus faces similar to the challenges you expect to encounter in the future? What specific "monsters" do you anticipate coming across in your future?