Though The Odyssey was written down nearly three thousand years ago, most of us can connect to parts of Odysseus' story. Maybe we know what it feels like to face obstacles, to feel that some bigger force is beating us down, to lose people we care about or are responsible for, or to be far away from home, family, or friends. For this warm-up, imagine what Odysseus's biggest fears might be at this point in the story. In complete sentences, write down a few of the things he may be feeling uneasy about as he gets closer to home.
Not sure how to start? Imagine that you are Odysseus...
* Twenty years ago, you went off to fight in a war with 12 ships full of 600 of your own men in total
* It took ten years to win the war, which happened because of your clever thinking
* For the ten years since the war, you've been wandering, trying to get home, and you've watched each of your 12 ships get wrecked and every single man of the 600 die in front of you
* When you left Ithaca, your wife was 20 years younger, and your son was a baby
* Most of the other Greek leaders and their crews reached home 10 years ago
Answer (1)
Odysseus's fears as he nears Ithaca include concerns about his home changing, the loss of loved ones, and betrayal by those who may have usurped his role. His experiences create a relatable character, showing that even heroes face anxiety about their past. These reflections emphasize his humanity amidst trials. ;
