The Odysssey (Books 6-10)

1. Calypso and her island represent true love and family vs. deceit within the overall story. The gods told Calypso to release Odysseus and let him go home, but she wants to keep him for herself. On Odysseus's part, he could either stay on the island and be wealthy and free with a beautiful wife, or he can go back home to his family, Telemachus and Penelope. If he goes back to Penelope, his wife who has turned down suitors upon suitors in case he comes home, he will prove that he really does love her and his son, Telemachus. However, if he chooses to stay on Calypso's island with her or one of the other women and remain, then it shows deceit. His wife and son do not know if he is dead or alive, and to keep them guessing and from starting anew, that would be deceitful and disrespectful. However, this is the point of view from people nowadays. Back then, the man could be unfaithful and have no harm put upon him. If a woman did this though, she would be considered a, if you will (lack for a better word), whore.

4. Because Cyclops is a demigod, half human and half god (son of Poseidon), I believe this is why he is such a huge part of the novel. When Odysseus fights him, he beats him using his own intelligence and wits of mental and physical strength. This is the first struggle that Odysseus will face on his trek home but it will not be his last. I believe it will foreshadow the events to come and how Odysseus grows as a person. By Odysseus being called a Nobody, it helped him escape from the Cyclops. By being a Nobody, Cyclops killing him wouldn't mean anything. He wouldn't be killing someone of interest, he'd be killing a Nobody.