Odyssey Storyteller Analysis

Though centuries apart, both the authors of Odyssey and the Storyteller: Homer and Mario Llosa respectively used the idea of quest and perseverance to highlight its importance to the characters in both stories. The Storyteller just like the Odyssey has several characters with different quest at various times. The most important quest in the storyteller perhaps is identity reservation and self-assimilation Saul Zuratas took to defend and identify as a Machiguenga. This character started out as an avid supporter of the cultural preservation of the Machiguenga Tribe. For example, Saul describe his views on the colonizing quest the linguists are taking as detrimental to the cultural identity of the tribe because it leads to “acculturation.” Saul’s fascination with the tribe was clearly conveyed when he told the narrator that “By forcing them to change their language, religion and customs, the way the missionaries are trying to do?” The criticism of the linguists and western ethnologist by Saul gave the readers the idea

Odysseus Journey from Troy to Ithaca for example is the quest which depicts a central theme that serves as the basis for the story. The voyage involved obstacles such as the incident with the cyclops, the Phaeacians, storm caused by Poseidon, the wrecked ship and many more that could have held back a weak literary character. However, just like Saul from the storyteller, the perseverance of Odysseus signifies the importance of the quest, which is to get back home and save his palace from the Suitors. An example of the perseverance was Odysseus demand of Circe on Aeolian island to get them home. He said to her, “Circe, now make good a promise you gave me once—it’s time to help me home.” He said this despite the luxury life absent of agony he lived with her for a year, showing that his quest his the most important part of his life at that