The Odyssey Questions on Calypso
The Odyssey
Portrayal of gender and interactions between male and female characters in The Odyssey
In The Odyssey, gender roles are clearly defined, with male characters often depicted as warriors and leaders, while female characters are portrayed in domestic roles or as goddesses with significant...
The Odyssey
Who are Calypso and Circe in The Odyssey and what instructions do they give to Odysseus?
Calypso and Circe are two beautiful women who entrap Odysseus's emotions for a while and distract him from his mission of getting home to Penelope. After Odysseus has lost all his men and shipwrecks,...
The Odyssey
In The Odyssey, what does Calypso offer Odysseus if he stays with her?
Calypso tells Odysseus that if he stays with her she will make him an immortal. However, Zeus orders her to let Odysseus go back to his beloved wife Penelope. She reluctantly lets him go, warning him...
The Odyssey
The female characters and their influence on Odysseus in The Odyssey
The female characters in The Odyssey significantly influence Odysseus's journey. Athena provides guidance and support, ensuring his safe return. Calypso detains him for years, delaying his voyage...
The Odyssey
Who keeps Odysseus captive for 7 years in The Odyssey?
Odysseus is held captive for seven years by the goddess Calypso on the island of Ogygia because she loves him and wishes for him to stay with her. Despite offering him immortality, Odysseus longs to...
The Odyssey
Calypso's decision to release Odysseus from her island
Calypso's decision to release Odysseus from her island is influenced by the gods, particularly Zeus, who sends Hermes to command her to let him go. Though initially reluctant and saddened by the...
The Odyssey
What quote does Circe use to offer Odysseus immortality in The Odyssey?
Circe does not offer Odysseus immortality in The Odyssey. Instead, it is the nymph Calypso who offers him immortality in Book 5. Calypso, forced to let Odysseus go, says that if he stays with her, he...
The Odyssey
How does Suzanne Vega's "Calypso" compare to Homer's "The Odyssey"?
Suzanne Vega's "Calypso" offers a unique perspective by narrating from Calypso's viewpoint, unlike Homer's The Odyssey which focuses on Odysseus. Vega's song explores Calypso's emotions, her love,...
The Odyssey
What help does Calypso provide to Odysseus in The Odyssey?
Calypso aids Odysseus by agreeing to release him from her island, despite her love for him and her offer of immortality if he stayed. She provides him with materials to build a raft, food, clothing,...
The Odyssey
Who are the witch and nymph that detain Odysseus during his journey from the Trojan War?
During his journey from the Trojan War, Odysseus is detained by two figures: the witch Circe and the nymph Calypso. Circe, the daughter of Helius and Perse, turns Odysseus's men into swine but later...
The Odyssey
What is the conflict and resolution in the Calypso episode of Homer's Odyssey?
In the "Calypso" episode of The Odyssey, the conflict arises from Odysseus' imprisonment by the nymph Calypso on her island, Ogygia. Calypso desires Odysseus as her lover, keeping him from returning...
The Odyssey
Who is Calypso jealous of in The Odyssey?
Calypso is jealous of both the gods and Penelope in "The Odyssey." She resents the gods for their freedom to consort with mortals without facing consequences, highlighting the unfairness toward...
The Odyssey
Who helps Odysseus escape from Calypso's island in The Odyssey?
Odysseus escapes from Calypso's island with the help of the gods, particularly Athena and Zeus. Athena, concerned for Odysseus, pleads with Zeus to release him. Zeus agrees and sends Hermes to...
The Odyssey
How does Odysseus reach the land of the Phaeacians?
Odysseus reaches the land of the Phaeacians after being released by Calypso on Zeus's orders. He builds a raft to leave her island, but Poseidon, angered by Odysseus's past actions, creates a storm...
The Odyssey
What does Calypso use to make Odysseus feel guilty about leaving?
Calypso uses emotional manipulation to make Odysseus feel guilty about leaving by pointing out his losses and the uncertain dangers of his journey home. She offers him luxury, immortality, and her...
The Odyssey
How can romantic attraction be a trap in The Odyssey?
In The Odyssey, romantic attraction often traps Odysseus, notably with Circe and Calypso. Circe uses her beauty to seduce him, causing him to stay for a year, delaying his return home. Similarly,...
The Odyssey
What is the portrayal of women, particularly Penelope, Calypso, and Nausicaa, in Homer's Odyssey?
In Homer's Odyssey, women are portrayed through diverse roles: Calypso is a solitary goddess who conceals Odysseus, representing divine isolation; Nausicaa is a young, unmarried woman who symbolizes...
The Odyssey
What is the source of Calypso's power over Odysseus?
Calypso's power over Odysseus comes from her divine nature as a goddess and daughter of the Titan Atlas. Her ability to offer him immortality highlights her supernatural influence. However,...
The Odyssey
What two scents does Calypso's fire emit in The Odyssey?
In "The Odyssey," Calypso's fire emits the scents of burning cedar logs and juniper. These aromas contribute to the paradise-like atmosphere of her island home, Ogygia, where Odysseus is held...
The Odyssey
What is the alternative to Calypso's offer to keep Odysseus on the island?
The alternative to Calypso's offer for Odysseus to stay on the island is his release, as ordered by Zeus through Hermes, despite her objections about the gods' double standards. Calypso offers...
The Odyssey
What are two traits of Telemachus, Penelope, Poseidon, and Calypso in The Odyssey?
Telemachus is initially naive but becomes respectful towards his father. Penelope is wise and faithful, demonstrated by her clever tests to confirm Odysseus's identity. Poseidon is vengeful and...