Task III: Personal Reflection

Ulysses and The Brothers Karamazov can be considered both studies to the nature and purpose of man 's existence . In Homer 's epic Odyssey , Ulysses is presented as the primary protagonist whose objective is only to return home but in the course of journey is challenged by the Gods and fate to prove himself . In Fyodor Dostoevsky 's The Brothers Karamazov the issue of parricide is used to explore human relationships that influence the social , ethics , religion and justice

In both texts , there are independent studies on aspects and assumptions of man

and life that provide insight not just to the nature of the subject of the studies but also the variances of views about them . Both literary styles follow classical methods of treatise were rationale and insight are critical to understanding the insights provided for each story . In both texts , the authors do not directly state their opinions but rather develop the settings and circumstances of the characters to challenge their audience

In writing Odyssey , Homer points out that man , represented by Ulysses and hic crew , can take hold of their destiny and challenge the will of Gods . In such a scenario , the physical struggle of the journey is the road to self-actualization . In contrast , Dostoevsky 's text uses intellectual and moral exploration as the process to enlightenment . The impact in both cases is the emphasis on the need for a conscious effort in understanding the nature and purpose of man . In both cases , there is sense of empowerment because though there is recognition that man is subject to external forces , his ultimate destiny is a product of his motivation , actions and commitment to his the choices he makes

On a social level , Ulysses and the Karamazov brothers illustrate the impact of individual motivation and decisions to the course of society At the same time , there is an emphasis on the accountability of an individual to society not only by virtue of the laws established but because of ethical and moral responsibility to endure that that society does not diminish the rights of others or the value of life . The social challenge in either text is the need to act responsibly and with purpose beyond . The commitment what is good and the resistance to the worst of human tendencies goes hand I hand with each other and is a challenge that one 's can expect to encounter in the simplest actions or the greatest of challenges

Ulysses and The Brothers Karamazov Page PAGE 2...