Scarlett's effort to stray away from a Western outlook sets the tone for a dramatic journey into the past and across the globe. Demonstrating religious, ethical, cultural and political components, this novella illustrates that the human journey is difficult and challenging when faced with extraordinary situations. Bridges discusses the impact of war, the desire to create a healthier life for our families and the commitment we have to convince ourselves that one should not be subjugated. It is upon these elements that the story mirrors characters and themes from Homer's The Odyssey.