s for Penelope, Telemachus, and Ithaca. Calypso feels it is her right to keep Odysseus. After all, it was her nurture and love that saved him from death. She loves him and wanted to make him immortal with her so they could live together for all eternity, but he still longs to return to his home. This shows Odysseus’ hope, determination, and tremendous love for his home. Most people would have given up hope by this time. Odysseus’ experience with Calypso reflects his strength and diligence, though he cries all day everyday. It is quite ironic. Calypso seems to represent womanly jealousy. She knows he has a wife waiting in Ithaca for him, yet she continues to retain him for her own selfish happiness. She seems to be a little unsure if she is greater in beauty than Penelope when she assures Odysseus that she exceeds Penelope by far in that area. It seems that she knew what his reply would be and merely wanted to hear it from his mouth.Circe and Calypso are two very prominent setbacks in Odysseus’ return to Ithaca. I believe the reason these two places detained him for longer than any other place was because Odysseus, when in the presence of these beautiful goddesses, was weakened severely. It’s the common, timeless story of the power women hold over men when it comes to sex....
