Thesis

The epic hero of The Odyssey, Odysseus is able to reunite lovingly with his faithful wife, Penelope. However there will be major differences to the outcome without Odysseus's most powerful ally, Athena. Frequently appearing throughout "The Odyssey", she offers instructions, encouragements, and tests to Odysseus to ensure he is successful. Perhaps Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, is the most valuable guide and wisdom figure in the mythic tradition. Similar to Athena, guide figures in many novels today provide support, insight and encouragement into the proper course of action for each hero in respective stories. While mentors' helps are limited by powers beyond their own, the majority of them allow their companions to make their own way and to discover the power that lies hidden within themselves. These roles of guiding characters are apparent inside the texts of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley...