Calypso and Odysseus Reflective Journal - Book Report/Review Example

Calypso and Odysseus Reflective Journal One would make no mistake suggesting that Odyssey should be considered to be one of the greatest pieces of literature not only because it is one of the earliest, but also because it raises a considerable number of questions and themes that are extremely important for the understanding of the human nature. A good example of it would be the relationship between Odysseus and Calypso. Some critics suggest that the desire of the main character to refuse an offer of immortal life is rather important for the understanding of the whole story.

This paper will analyze some of the aspects of this relationship in great detail.To begin with, it would be suitable to dwell on the way Calypso is portrayed in the beginning of Book 5. Thus, the readers see it “singing high and low in her sweet voice, before her loom a-weaving, she passed her golden shuttle to and fro” (5:66-68). This is a rather intriguing depiction of an immortal creature since it resembles a moral human quite a lot. Indeed, one is able to make a comparison between Calypso and the beloved wife of Odysseus, Penelope: they both are described as good housewives.

However, the former one is a nymph and her beauty is remarkable and does not fade away with time.Calypso offers Odysseus a gift of eternal life and youth so that he would join her on the remote island and spend the eternity in pleasures. However, the main character refuses to accept this gift. The primary reason that underlies this decision is his desire to see his home again as well as his love for his wife and son. Another point that should be mentioned is that Odysseus, being a real hero, is desperately trying to contribute to his good reputation.

That is why, he understands that if he accepts the offer he will not be able to become and even greater hero and the glory that he has already achieved might fade away because there will not be new adventures for him.I must admit that if I were in the similar situation, I would make a completely different choice than Odysseus did. There are several reasons to that. First of all, a gift of eternal life would allow me to explore all the possibilities of my body as well as my mind: I would become a better individual and learn the real taste of life.

Secondly, it is suggested in the text that Calypso was extremely beautiful. If she really were, there is no reason why a man would not want to spend the rest of the eternity with a beautiful woman. Indeed, Odysseus loved his wife, but their love was doomed: it would end when they both die. In case he loved Calypso, their love would literary last forever.As one can clearly see, the main character of the ancient text is presented with a rather tough choice. However, he was guided with a deep feeling of love for his wife and son as well as his home, so he refused to become immortal and took a risky journey to his home which became a classic of literature.

ReferencesHomer (1998). The Odyssey: The Fitzgerald Translation. London: Macmillan.