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Circe
Circe
Who and why?
Who and why?
Circe by Madeline Miller was published in 2018 and is a modern interpretation of Circe who is a main character in The Odyssey. Miller gave Circe her own voice and story since we are only able to see Circe in Odysseus's point of view. Miller mentions Circe’s upbringing and explains the suffering she has gone through. Circe is known as a beautiful and mysterious woman and Miller gives Circe a background that can be understood. Circe is also given a chance of self discovery and growth.
The plot
The plot
This novel goes over Circe’s backstory and her life as a daughter of Helios and Perse. She is not as powerful as her father, a Titan, and not as alluring as her mother. Her parents and other gods were disappointed when they noticed that Circe was not like other gods and goddesses. Her father, Helios, was disappointed that he had a daughter and that she was not beautiful enough to attract a good enough husband. Her siblings are favored more than she is which gives her a yearning for companionship because her siblings torment her. When Perse has another child, Circe acts as a caregiver to her new brother and she begins to have her first real relationship with someone. After her brother grows up, she is left alone again until she meets Glaucus and falls in love with him. She uses magic to turn him immortal, but that eventually backfires as he falls in love with Scylla. Angered by the betrayal, she turned Scylla into a six-headed monster. Her powers become a danger to others because no other god has the power of witchcraft. The gods exile Circe for all eternity. The novel also covers how Circe discovered her powers of witchcraft. Once she enters the mortal realm, she is able to feel a connection and sense of relief.
Interpretation
Interpretation
Circe is depicted as a misunderstood goddess trying to find her place. Readers are able to understand Circe's life and interactions through her own thought. When Circe meets Odysseus, readers are able to understand why she acted the way she did and why she quickly turned his men into pigs. Instead of Circe quickly admiring Odysseus, readers are able to see the relationship between Circe and Odysseus develop. The relationship between the two is deeper than what is portrayed in The Odyssey. Circe is not seen as a distraction because of what readers see in Circe and the personal conversations that they both have. Odysseus is the one who begins to pursue Circe, it not the other way around. Readers also build a connection with Circe since they are introduced to her life story. Circe is not an evil or self-centered, she is curious and cautious.
Photo interpretation
Photo interpretation
This painting depicts Circe in deep thought and possibly practicing her magic. Circe's strength is shown in this painting because even though she is alone in exile, she is making an effort to learn more about what makes her different. The light towards the center of the painting allows viewers to look at what is on the table and then eyes move to Circe leaning on the table. Circe is making a potion with a possible spellbook on the table. The power that Circe has is what makes people believe that she is evil because they are unaware of what she can do. In this paining, Circe is a ''normal person'' trying to figure her talent out. She does not look evil or wicked, she looks curious and devoted.
The Sorceress by John William Waterhouse (1911)
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