The Atlantic Daily presents a compilation of essays focusing on quests taken by Atlantic writers, illustrating the varied and often unexpected outcomes of their journeys. Gary Shteyngart's pursuit of a perfect tailor-made suit symbolizes deeper personal transformation, while Olga Khazan's three-month challenge to change her personality reveals the subtle complexities of identity. These narratives reflect a broader theme in literature—quests as transformative journeys—yet diverge from the classic depiction by often leading to unforeseen discoveries rather than tangible goals or resolutions.
"The quest is a well-worn literary trope: Characters travel long distances and face obstacles in hopes of finding justice, or revenge, or forgiveness."
"Gary Shteyngart traversed three continents to achieve his dream of 'a perfect suit, made by an expert tailor out of superlative fabric'—a suit he believed would transform him."
"Olga Khazan went on an internal quest, giving herself three months to change her personality, ultimately finding that 'being slightly different is still being different.'"
"In many of these journeys, the writer ends up finding something very different from what they were looking for."
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