The Odyssey

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1. 
   gbeatty Teacher
   College - Freshman

   Circe represents two distinct but related threats to Odysseus and his men. The men she turns into animals, which is on the plot level a threat that they'll not be able to finish the voyage because they've given into their baser (animal) instincts. Odysseus she attempts to hold their through seduction. This too would keep him from completing his voyage, and would be a related danger. He would have given into the lure of the woman at hand, rather than staying true to his wife at home.

   Sources:

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circe

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   Posted by gbeatty on Monday April 28, 2008 at 6:49 AM
   
   

2. 
   lorraine-luna Student
   College - Freshman

   I think the author used the character of Circe to impart to the readers one of the obstacles that might come a man's way in reaching his goal.  Circe may represent "lust".  According to the book, Circe was the most beautiful yet most dangerous witch in her time.  She used it to seduce men but she would turn them into swines.  Fortunately, Odysseus had overcome her plan because of the help of some gods.  Lust deceive men in that same way.  It would let men fall into its arms but then later, it would let them feel the very consequences of it. 

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   Posted by lorraine-luna on Tuesday April 29, 2008 at 3:10 AM
   
   

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