Pen And Odysseus Comparison Essay

Love in the Time of Global Warming is a modern rendition of The Odyssey filled with good-natured characters, an intriguing plot line brimming with foreshadowing details, and innumerable references to the classic Greek myth of Odysseus. This novel was written by Francesca Lia Block. It is set in a post-apocalyptic version of California and Nevada, caused by the Earth-Shaker, which is what the characters of the story refer to as the earthquake that killed off many of their families and friends. The time before this devastation is what they call Then. The main character in this novel is called Pen. Her main conflict, which is an external conflict, is that her family are missing, and she is in search of whoever had survived.
Throughout the story, the author reveals that Pen is extremely loving and caring, especially to those who mean the most to her. For example, on page forty three, Pen remembers a …show more content…
Both stories share the same basic plot line of taking a journey home, while being interrupted numerous times by creatures like giants, witches, and other magical beings. Pen and Odysseus, the main characters of their stories, are also intellectuals, meaning that they are both incredibly knowledgeable. For example, Pen had remembered much of the information she learned from Then, when she had spent her time reading a multitude of ancient Greek myths as well as encyclopedias for pleasure. Odysseus was also intelligent, in a way that allowed him and some of his crew to survive the lengthy, creature-filled journey back to Ithaca. These stories also have a similar themes that demonstrate the value of loyalty and perseverance while trying to achieve a goal. Overall, the messages of these stories are still applicable to readers of our generation because both perseverance and loyalty are important for accomplishing any goal, whether it be within school, a sport, or everyday