Paper Sample on Journey Over Destination: Lessons from Ithaka

Introduction

Ithaka is a poem whose central theme is to let the audience know that the journey that an individual takes is more important than the destination itself. The poem is based on an account of Odysseus's journey home. It provides an in-depth insight into the complexities surrounding life, which constitutes both the pleasant encounters and numerous disappointments present and inescapable. This poem tries to encourage the reader to help him or her life for the journey and not for the destination, which ensures that one can live a fulfilling and prosperous life (Greekpressoffice, 2013). The difficulties that one experiences in the journey through life equip the individual to face the future. An obsession with the destination in mind can be distractive hence making an individual not value the actual matter of living. Therefore, an individual should focus on the journey of life, which entails seeking pleasure in each moment to find the desired fulfillment in life.

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To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time by Robert Herrick (English Poet, 1591-1674)

The dominant theme in this poem is that time is of the essence. From the title of this poem, the reader can tell that the speaker seeks to address a group of virgins on the importance of the time concept. The meaning of this poem is to advise the young virgins that they should gather their rosebuds while they are capable of doing so since time is passing at an alarming rate (Carleton & Norman, 2017). The speaker tries to nail this point down by using imagery from nature, such as setting the sun and dying of flowers. The primary concept in this poem is that the youth of an individual is the best and prime time in life and that the years that follow are not as great. In conclusion, the speaker encourages the young girls by urging them to make proper use of their prime time by getting married before they get their prime and lose that chance.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost (American Poet, 1874-1963)

The central theme in this poem is that what matters is the road that one picks, that is, the decisions that individuals make in life are the most critical determinants of the quality of life one can lead and the destination of the life journey. The poem's meaning is to tell the reader that choices made in life are essential; hence, one needs to wisely choose to go alone or go with the mainstream media (Redfrost Motivation, 2020). The concept of the question of determinism and free will is dominant in the poem as the speaker knowingly follows the road that is off the beaten tracks or chooses it because he does not fancy the one that has a bend, therefore, this shows that external factors influence the choices that he makes. This poem is about what didn't happen. The individual faced by a vital conscious decision decided to take that which is the least popular path that had the most resistance. The person is not able to choose both; hence he has to make a sacrifice. Eventually, the reader is left to decide the speaker's emotional state at the end.

How the Themes Connect

The central theme in Ithaka is that the journey is the essential element; therefore, choices have to be made by deciding which road to take, according to The Road Not Taken. These choices have to be timely, as stated by the theme of time essence in the Virgins, to Make Much of Time.

Questions

1. What are the implications of the three main themes in society today?
2. In the poem, The Road Not Taken, was the choice to take the road less traveled a positive move?

References

Carleton H & Norman S., (2017). Robert Herrick: To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time. YouTube Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoGLra7hCIw&feature=youtu.be

Greekpressoffice. O, (2013). Constantine P. Cavafy's "Ithaca" recited in English by Sir Sean Connery. YouTube Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_cYPfovX54&feature=youtu.be

Redfrost Motivation, (2020). The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost (Powerful Life Poetry). YouTube Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrBHd41YqTc&feature=youtu.be