The Adventures of Ulysses

• Genre: Fiction; young adult mythology retelling
• Originally Published: 1969
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 860L; grades 8-11
• Structure/Length: 16 chapters plus prologue; approx. 192 pages; approx. 6 hours, 32 minutes on audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: Evslin’s retelling follows Greek warrior and hero Ulysses as he struggles against vengeful gods, strange monsters, and temptation and vice in his quest to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Violence; death

Bernard Evslin, Author

• Bio: 1922-1993; born in New York; attended Rutgers University; made early career in screenwriting, producing, and playwriting; wrote over 70 books, many for young adults; received the National Education Association Award (1961) and the Washington Irving Children’s Book Choice Award (for Hercules, 1986)
• Other Works: The Greek Gods (1966); Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths (1967); Hercules (1984)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• The Hero’s Purpose in Greek Mythology and Today
• The Wisdom of Determination
• Flawed Gods and Foolish People

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Explore background information on symbolism, allegory, the hero’s journey, and life in ancient Greece to increase their engagement with and understanding of The Adventures of Ulysses.
• Read/study paired texts and other brief resources to deepen their understanding of themes related to The Hero’s Purpose in Greek Mythology and Today, The Wisdom of Determination, and Flawed Gods and Foolish People.