In the book, The Odyssey of Homer, translated by Richmond Lattimore, the relationships Odysseus has with Circe, Kalypso, and Penelope all share a very different type of love. The weakest relationship Odysseus has is of respect and infatuation with Circe, it starts with fear but lasts for 1 year. Then, Kalypso’s love towards Odysseus, a bit stronger than Circe’s is full of selfishness and desperation keeping it strong for 7 years. Lastly, Penelope’s enduring and hopeful love for Odysseus makes their relationship the strongest remaining for more than 20 years. The relationships Odysseus has with Circe, Kalypso, and Penelope share love, but some are stronger than the others.
Homer shows us the weak love based infatuation and respect, that Circe, …show more content…
Penelope having the choice to remarry with one of the suitors, return to her father's home to be under his care, or wait for the homecoming of Odysseus, remains faithful to Odysseus until he returns after 20 years. Antikleia, Odysseus mother tells Odysseus, “All too much with enduring heart does she wait for you there in your own palace.”(173.181-183) This proves the enduring love Penelope gives to Odysseus. On the other hand, Odysseus also wishes to see his wife and arrive to Ithaka, this keeps him going in his journey. Homer writes about him stating, “This one alone, longing for his wife and his homecoming, was detained by the queenly nymph Kalypso.”(27.13-14) Here it is told that Odysseus wants his wife and no one else. Compared to Circe and Kalypso, this love is the strongest and ever since Odysseus is with Kalypso or Circe his goal is to get home, he states about the goddess, “but never so could she win the heart within me.”(118.258) This then gives the proof that his heart is already taken by Penelope. The enduring love both Odysseus and Penelope have towards each other is the strongest from the love Circe and Kalypso have towards
Homer shows us the weak love based infatuation and respect, that Circe, …show more content…
Penelope having the choice to remarry with one of the suitors, return to her father's home to be under his care, or wait for the homecoming of Odysseus, remains faithful to Odysseus until he returns after 20 years. Antikleia, Odysseus mother tells Odysseus, “All too much with enduring heart does she wait for you there in your own palace.”(173.181-183) This proves the enduring love Penelope gives to Odysseus. On the other hand, Odysseus also wishes to see his wife and arrive to Ithaka, this keeps him going in his journey. Homer writes about him stating, “This one alone, longing for his wife and his homecoming, was detained by the queenly nymph Kalypso.”(27.13-14) Here it is told that Odysseus wants his wife and no one else. Compared to Circe and Kalypso, this love is the strongest and ever since Odysseus is with Kalypso or Circe his goal is to get home, he states about the goddess, “but never so could she win the heart within me.”(118.258) This then gives the proof that his heart is already taken by Penelope. The enduring love both Odysseus and Penelope have towards each other is the strongest from the love Circe and Kalypso have towards