I'm writing an essay about the character Ulysses.
I need to make a personal connection with him, though I'm not sure how?
Whose character Ulysses? Tennyson, Joyce, or Greek mythology?
I would start with Tennyson, who paint Ulysses as a hero in old age.
Search Tennyson Ulysses.
On thing of the mythology Ulysses....he overcame enemies who betrayed him, regained his "wife", and became a hero to his people. Have you ever overcome cunning enemies?
Bernard Evslin's Ulysses?
I haven't really over come cunning enemies.
Have you ever been seen as a hero in anyway? Maybe you were seen as a hero in your family's eyes or another child?
Googling, I am guessing that this is from "The Adventures Of Ulysses" by Evslin, and that that book mostly extracts stories from The Odyssey. I don't know Evslin, but given the Odyssey as a source, I can guess at the characterisation.
He sailed in a ship to return to his kingdom. I'm guessing you didn't do that, :-) but there may be other things you have in common.
I'm not sure that Ulysses' enemies were especially wily, but he himself is famous for getting out of tight spots by tricks and cunning plans rather than by fighting. Think of the Cyclops and the sheep, or plugging his men's ears so they wouldn't hear the song of the sirens. Have you ever got yourself out of trouble, or avoided trouble, by quick thinking or being clever?
He also got information and hospitality by being friendly with people he met in his travels. Has someone you made friends with ever helped you?
Another attribute to focus on might be his determination to get home. Ulysses had to make his way back home after the Trojan war, despite many obstacles, being lost, being held captive. Have you ever had to pursue an objective despite events or people being against you? He defeated or escaped the problems one at a time. Did you do that?
To make a personal connection with the character Ulysses for your essay, there are several steps you can take:
1. Read and analyze the original source material: Ulysses is a character from Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey." Start by reading or rereading the relevant sections of the poem where Ulysses appears. Take careful note of his character traits, actions, and motivations.
2. Research the historical and cultural context: Explore the historical background of ancient Greece, the time period in which "The Odyssey" was written. Understand the values, beliefs, and societal norms of that era, as they greatly influence the portrayal of characters, including Ulysses.
3. Focus on Ulysses' journey and struggles: Empathize with the challenges, hardships, and dilemmas that Ulysses faces throughout his journey back home. Consider how these experiences may relate to your own personal life or the human condition in general.
4. Reflect on universal themes and moral lessons: Explore the deeper meanings and themes embedded in Ulysses' story. Consider themes such as the longing for adventure, the desire for homecoming, the will to endure hardship, and the complexities of leadership. Reflect on how these themes resonate with your own experiences or observations.
5. Apply Ulysses' characteristics to yourself or others: Look for similarities between Ulysses' character traits and those of yourself or others. Consider elements like determination, resilience, strategizing, adaptability, and the ability to learn from mistakes. Reflect on how these traits may have influenced your own personal journey or the journeys of people you know.
6. Relate Ulysses' experiences to contemporary situations: Connect Ulysses' challenges and adventures with present-day circumstances or dilemmas. This could involve examining how Ulysses' leadership skills, decision-making processes, or struggles with temptation might apply to your own life or the world around you.
Remember, making a personal connection with a fictional character involves finding common ground, relating their experiences to your own, and drawing meaningful insights. By following these steps, you should be able to develop a personal connection with Ulysses for your essay.