English 9 Honors
Essay Paper
Due:
October 3, 2014
Due:
October 30, 2014
The Odyssey of Life Writing Assignment
Allegory: The representation of abstract ideas or principals by characters, figures, or events in narrative,
dramatic, or pictorial form.
As we complete Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, I want you to consider parallels between the story of
Odysseus and your own life. Odysseus undertakes an exciting, sometimes perilous journey over a long period
of time to reach his goal of returning home to Ithaca. In this essay project, you will think about where you want
to be in ten years. What will you accomplish between now and then? 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? Consider
how Bearden created an allegory for his life. Your assignment is to write a five-paragraph essay that draws
parallels between Odysseus’ journey and the one you will embark upon. Your essay must explore the following
questions:
1.
In what ways is the Odyssey like a journey through life? Consider Cavafry’s poem “Ithaca”. How is
the Odyssey or the poem an allegory?
2. How are some of the challenges and obstacles Odysseus faces and the choices he must make similar to
those you have encountered, or expect to encounter, in the future? How are they different? Consult
your Venn-Diagram.
3. What part of Homer’s epic is the most important to you? Why? Create a collage the pictorial represents
what is important to you as stated in your essay.
Please refer to the MLA guidelines for proper format.