Interpreting Circe
The Odyssey
Instructions:
The following is a series of translations of an excerpt from Book X of The Odyssey. Review the excerpts below and determine how the character Circe (also spelled Kirke) is depicted in them. Then, read Louise Glück’s poem “Circe’s Power,” in which Glück provides her own interpretation of Circe. Answer the questions that follow.
Robert Fitzgerald Translation:
“But I can tell you what to do
to come unchanged from Kirke’s power
and disenthrall your fighting crew:
take with you to her bower
as amulet, this plant I know —
it will defeat her horrid show,
so pure and potent is the flower;
no mortal herb was ever so.
Your cup with numbing drops of night
and evil, stilled of all remorse,
she will infuse to charm your sight;
but this great herb with holy force
will keep your mind and senses clear:
when she turns cruel, coming near
with her long stick to whip you out of doors,
then let your cutting blade appear,
Let instant death upon it shine,
and she will cower and yield her bed —
a pleasure you must not decline,
so may her lust and fear bestead
you and your friends, and break her spell;
but make her swear by heaven and hell
no witches’ tricks, or else, your harness shed,
you’ll be unmanned by her as well.”
(10.317-340)
Robert Fagles Translation:
“Let me tell you of all the witch’s subtle craft…
She’ll mix you a potion, lace the brew with drugs
But she’ll be powerless to bewitch you, even —
This magic herb I give will fight her spells.
Now here’s your plan of action, step by step.
The moment Circe strikes with her long thin wand,
you draw your sharp sword sheathed at your hip
and rush her as fast as if to run her through!
She’ll cower in hear and coax you to her bed —
But don’t refuse the goddess’ bed, not then, not if
she’s to release your friends and treat you well yourself.
But have her swear the binding oath of the blessed gods
she’ll never plot some new intrigue to harm you,
once you lie there naked —
never unman you, strip away your courage!”
(10.320-334)
Samuel Butler Translation:
“And I will tell you of all the wicked witchcraft that Circe will try to practise upon you. She will mix a mess for you to drink, and she will drug the meal with which she makes it, but she will not be able to charm you, for the virtue of the herb that I shall give you will prevent her spells from working. I will tell you all about it. When Circe strikes you with her wand, draw your sword and spring upon her as though you were going to kill her. She will then be frightened and will desire you to go to bed with her; on this you must not point blank refuse her, for you want her to set your companions free, and to take good care also of yourself, but you make her swear solemnly by all the blessed that she will plot no further mischief against you, or else when she has got you naked she will unman you and make you fit for nothing.”
(82)
QUESTION:
Based on the similarities among these various translations of The Odyssey, how would you say Circe is being depicted by Homer?
Comparing Homer’s Circe to Louise Glück’s Circe
Now that you have examined the original depiction of Circe, read Louise Glück’s version in her poem “Circe’s Power.” Then, answer the questions that follow.
Circe’s Power
I never turned anyone into a pig.
Some people are pigs; I make them
Look like pigs.
I’m sick of your world
That lets the outside disguise the inside. Your men weren’t bad men;
Undisciplined life
Did that to them. As pigs,
Under the care of
Me and my ladies, they
Sweetened right up.
Then I reversed the spell, showing you my goodness
As well as my power. I saw
We could be happy here,
As men and women are
When their needs are simple. In the same breath,
I foresaw your departure,
Your men with my help braving
The crying and pounding sea. You think
A few tears upset me? My friend,
Every sorceress is
A pragmatist at heart; nobody sees essence who can’t
Face limitation. If I wanted only to hold you
I could hold you prisoner.
— Louise Glück
Questions on “Circe’s Power”
1) How does Louise Glück depict Circe in this poem?
2) What in the poem helps you come to this conclusion?
3) Why do you think Glück chose to depict Circe in this way?
4) How does Glück’s depiction of Circe challenge the interpretation we developed from our reading of The Odyssey?
Interpretations of Penelope
The Odyssey
Based on your reading and understanding of The Odyssey, how would you describe the character Penelope? Support your response with details from the story.
Now, read the two poems below, each providing a different interpretation of Penelope.
After reading the two poems, answer the questions in the spaces provided.
Penelope’s Song
Louise Gluck
Little soul, little perpetually undressed one,
Do now as I bid you, climb
The shelf-like branches of the spruce tree;
Wait at the top, attentive, like
A sentry or look-out. He will be home soon;
It behooves you to be
Generous. You have not been completely
Perfect either; with your troublesome body
You have done things you shouldn't
Discuss in poems. Therefore
Call out to him over the open water, over the bright
Water
With your dark song, with your grasping,
Unnatural song—passionate,
Like Maria Callas. Who
Wouldn't want you? Whose most demonic appetite
Could you possibly fail to answer? Soon
He will return from wherever he goes in the
Meantime,
Suntanned from his time away, wanting
His grilled chicken. Ah, you must greet him,
You must shake the boughs of the tree
To get his attention,
But carefully, carefully, lest
His beautiful face be marred
By too many falling needles.
How does Louise Gluck depict Penelope in this poem?
Penelope
Dorothy Parker
In the pathway of the sun,
In the footsteps of the breeze,
Where the world and sky are one,
He shall ride the silver seas,
He shall cut the glittering wave.
I shall sit at home, and rock;
Rise, to heed a neighbor's knock;
Brew my tea, and snip my thread;
Bleach the linen for my bed.
They will call him brave
How does Dorothy Parker depict Penelope in this poem?