Circe

In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus has several interactions with women on his journey back to Ithaca. No two women have the same exchange with Odysseus, but they all demonstrate different variations of the masculine-feminine relationship. Instead of the traditional masculine-feminine relationship, some women give Odysseus help instead, some don’t rely on depend on him entirely, but some however, swoon for him and give him her aid because of it. There is a strong masculine-feminine balance in the…

“The Calm” by Sean O’Brien is a four part metaphor representing the infinite serenity of the ocean and the stars as well as the revolving of a lighthouse in comparison to the people who have fallen from the light. In the first three stanzas we see beautiful metaphors comparing the rolling of the waves to the movement of the stars and, the revolving of the lighthouse to the tilt of the harbor. The poem continues to describe the inhabitants of a nearby bar who have fallen from stardom, sharing a…

Odysseus versus (Shrek the Movie Character) The Odyssey is a historical book, written by Homer, about a hero who was lost and he had to face many obstacles to make it back home. Shrek is an older movie, directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, which is about an Ogre who has to rescue a princess to get his swamp back. To be considered a hero, the character has to be charged with a quest, a presence of mythical beings, and a low point where the character nearly gives up. I think that Shrek…

Along with avoiding selfishness, Odysseus and life today teach that it is vital to focus on your goals to avoid missed opportunities. Odysseus showed the importance of focusing on goals when he brought back his men after they ate the lotus and did not returned from the island. Odysseus tied them to their rowing benches warning his other men to not eat the lotus, saying that “or lose your hope of home” (898). Odysseus after he had blinded the cyclops and it threw its door open guarding it to…

“All my life, I have been moving forward, and now I am here. I have a mortal’s voice, let me have the rest” (Miller 385). Circe–by Madeline Miller–is a retelling of the Greek myth of Circe through the eyes of modern women and through the female lens. Circe had only been mentioned previously in The Odyssey, where she was an antihero and a foil to Odysseus on his journey home. Miller integrates two main arguments into her retelling of Circe’s story: how power leads to destruction and greed, and…

Last but not least we have the one and only Circe. Circe is defiantly one to be remembered with her past. Circe was known for being both greedy and helpful. As Odysseus and his men sail to Ithaca, they come across the Island of Colchys. When Odysseus and his men go up to Circe she invites them for a feast. Odysseus’ men agree to going expect for himself. As Odysseus’ men feast on the food Calypso puts poison in their food. When they aren't looking she pulls out her wand and turns them all to…

In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus is a celebrated king and hero who is tragically lost at sea for 20 years, tirelessly defeating every obstacle him and his crew stumble upon in attempt to get back home to his wife and son in his kingdom of Ithaca. Although Odysseus faces many temptations along his journey, he doesn’t stray from his goal to return home, by always keeping his family in mind. Despite being written centuries ago, this novel holds strong connections to modern day, and our education…

A hero is an individual who is admired for his or hers brave acts or for their fine individual qualities. The Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh’s main protagonists are heroes. However, one of the main characters falls short from being a true hero, making him unworthy of the title. The Epic of Gilgamesh begins with a long exaltation about Gilgamesh—the epic’s main protagonist—¬hero attributes. The author uses direct exposition describe Gilgamesh, as a hero and a godlike character. He does this…

“Our lives turn as the days turn” can be translated differently. Some may perceive it as live life to the fullest, while others believe it to mean life is long just like the days in a year. However, for Odysseus he looks at his journey, and life in general, in a positive light. Throughout the Odyssey, the main character, Odysseus learns some valuable lessons while conquering obstacles during his treacherous voyage home. In this specific passage, Odysseus reflects on how he stayed positive…

Courage, nobility, and bold deeds - the perfect package for a hero. Fictitious or not, a hero is usually defined by these statements, including two men, Odysseus and Louie Zamperini. In the epic poem by Homer called The Odyssey, a resilient and bold man named Odysseus faces a ten year journey filled with many obstacles. He constantly faces problems and has to always find a way to solve them. Not only does he have to stay out of trouble, but he also has to keep himself and his men alive in order…