Daniel Mendelsohn has written extensively about how archetypes from Greek myth and tragedy are revised and revisited in contemporary culture, most recently with the anniversary of the J.F.K. assassination. Here, he talks with Sasha Weiss about how the story of J.F.K.s death satisfies twin desiresboth to marvel at a charismatic leader and also to witness his downfall. They discuss why Greek myth and tragedy are still so resonant when we read the news today, and Mendelsohn gives an anecdote from his upcoming book in which he retraces the journey of the Odyssey with his father.