Obstacles
...send her into constant thought. Trying to find a satisfying answer, she begins challenging her own beliefs. Everything that seemed important becomes insignificant to her, as Sophie begins a mission to discover her beliefs. Following a distant battle at Troy, Odysseus begins a long journey home. Though numerous barriers darken his spirit and endanger the success of the journey, Odysseus looks forward to reuniting with his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus. “My wife is nothing compared to you for beauty, I can see that for myself. She is mortal, you are immortal and never grow old. But even so, I long for the day of my home-coming.” (66) In addition to seeing his family, he looks forward to recapturing his throne and fulfilling his place as king. Odysseus faces many temptations and struggles along his journey home to Ithaca. After battling six-headed monsters, cyclops, and evil sea creatures, Odysseus encounters a seductive goddess named Calypso. He arrives on her island as the only man, and is treated as her divine guest. Odysseus is tempted to sacrifice his long-term goal for immediate gratification by living on the island as Calypso’s husband. His ego was tempted by thoughts of staying on the island, as he would gain great power very easily surrounded by beautiful women. “If you knew what troubles you will have before you get to Ithaca, you would stay where you are and keep this house with me, and be immortal, however much you might want to see your wife whom you long for day in and day out.” (66) Sophie and Odysseus’ obstacles are both similar and different. One can compare the two because they both deal with struggles within the psychological realm. However, one can also contrast them because Odysseus is struggling with temptation, and Sophie is seeking philosophical truths. Sophie encounters important obstacles during her quest for beliefs, such as her frustration with her lack of knowledge. She questions everything, is unsure of what is true, and dwelling on each possibility. The examination of her past beliefs and concerns trouble her as she finds faults and counter-possibilities that argue against them. “Democritus also believed that man had no immortal soul. Could she be sure of that? She didn’t know. But then she had only just begun the philosophy course.” (46) ...