Reactions/ Connections

Did it make you think of anything happening in the news, around school, in other stories or books you have read?

I had several connections with the third section of Lightning Thief. Percy's grand adventure/ quest is secondary to the understanding he is gaining of himself. Each monster he encounters, every deadly situation he must face, and all characters he comes across strengthen him inside. I mean think about it- what other situations put Percy in such close proximity to his emotions.

He must deal with the following:

The death of his mother.
His anger towards his step father.
His despise for past teachers and bullies.
His courage to solve problems from start to finish.

We all are on a "quest" like Percy so to speak. I mean sure, we go to school, work, and fulfill other obligations, but deep down we are on this "grand quest of self discovery." At the end of the day it is our happiness that is most important.

This book kind of reminds me of the Matrix! Neo encounters several situations, each of greater peril than the last. And even though the oracle tells him "you are the one," it is not until he believes it that he is able to defeat all opposing forces. I mean, let's face it, deep down Percy is still doubtful. He is distrusting, resentful, bitter, angry and insecure. Accepting that he is "the one" will negate all these feeling of self doubt- the very things preventing him from becoming this consummate hero.

I am just waiting for the moment that Percy picks up "Riptide" and says "There is no evil I can't defeat." This is the quest Percy is after: Belief in himself. Once he has achieved this, there is no monster or god that will stand in his way.