Perry Zhang, Pd7, 3/23/23

Perry Zhang 

PD 7

3/23/2023

Literature Circle - Circe By Madeline Miller

The book Circe by Madeline Miller is a novel that retells the ancient story of Circe in the tenth book of the Odyssey. In Greek Mythology, Circe is a daughter of Helios, a sorceress, and is renowned for her vast knowledge of potions and herbs in which she can transform humans into whatever she desires. The novel begins by establishing the history of Circe’s childhood, Circe was born from the relationship between Helios and the nymph Perse, and at an early age, she soon realizes the clear contrast between her and all other gods or goddesses. As a goddess,  their grace and beauty which are valued within their society are nowhere to be seen and this has caused her to be shunned and rejected by her family member except for her father. She would often be mocked or even ignored by her mother and siblings and as a result, became estranged and isolated from her family and peers.  In the end, Circe’s sole source of joy came from her visit to Helios, her father.
As Circe grows older, she continues to spend her days in isolation and loneliness but soon ends up encountering Prometheus who was tortured in front of the gods for assisting the humans, by bringing the sacred fire to the humans. This encounter with Prometheus offers a brand new perspective and view that struck Circe’s interest and curiosity, something beyond the cold-blooded and apathetic routine she experiences every day. And due to this, she began her attempt to change, she attempts to stripe away the shackle of a god and chooses to be different from the others like how she is already. She began to embrace her difference and use her powers to help others but is met with suspicion and rejection. But ironic enough it is also there that she begins to discover the full extent of her powers and her true nature as a witch. In the end, because of her power as the witch and her rebellious attitude towards the patriarchal structure of this world, she is eventually banished to the island of Aiaia.
All in all, from what I have read so far, Circe can be considered a sympathetic and relatable character in modern society. Her struggles, her desire to be accepted or her societal value is something that we readers can relate to in one way or another. And instead of the traditional Patriarchal view of the past, the story of Circe and Miller’s adaption demonstrates a powerful feminist message. It portrays Circe as a powerful and independent woman who refuses to be defined by the norms and the expectations of others.