Analysis of Circe

In the Odyssey, Circe mainly represents giving into temptation. For a hole year, Odysseus and his men stay on the island of Aeaea, and live in luxury. Odysseus easily permits their respite, even though his wife is waiting for him. The crew is less happy, as they have went through the humiliation of being turned into pigs, and they get no benefits comparable to Odysseus's (the love of Circe). Odysseus has a lapse of will and strength in this section that is evident as he does not wish to even leave Aeaea until his crew cajoles him into leaving. As he has been steadfast in his valor and hard work, this shows a time to relax without duties. Homer is probably then trying to differentiate between Odysseus and a god, as Odysseus is so often compared with gods and immortals, but is still a mortal. This section clearly shows his fallibility.