Circe

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Aiaia begins as a place of exile for Circe that she sees as an emblem of her father’s pride.

• How does the way she views the island change from her early exile to when she leaves Penelope in charge of it? (topic sentence)
• What events in the novel show how Circe views the island differently at different points? Discuss at least three events from the novel and use details to support your ideas.
• Finally, discuss in your concluding sentence or sentences how Aiaia connects to the theme of Misogyny and Female Suffering.

2. Circe consistently sees the awful ways in which her fellow immortals treat humans throughout the novel, and seeing Prometheus’s torture for having helped mortals deeply affects her.

• How is Circe influenced by Prometheus’s willingness to help humans? (topic sentence)
• Choose three instances in which Circe either mentions Prometheus’s suffering or notices how other immortals treat humans. Discuss how these observations affect Circe’s view of the mortal world.
• Finally, discuss in your concluding sentence or sentences the connection to the theme of the Emotional Differences between Gods and Mortals.

3. Pasiphaë tells Circe that the gods “love their monsters” after giving birth to the Minotaur (Chapter 10).

• What does Pasiphaë mean by this, and does it fit with Circe’s character? (topic sentence)
• What role do monsters play in Circe’s life? Choose at least three instances in which Circe must interact with monsters and explain how they support your argument.
• Finally, discuss in your concluding sentence or sentences the ways in which Circe is similar to or different from other gods.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Circe takes several lovers throughout the course of the novel. Choose one of them and discuss what role they play in Circe’s development as a character. Is she dependent on them? How does their relationship push her toward becoming more independent? What choices does she make to protect her mortal lovers? What choices does she make to protect herself? Consider and discuss how this relationship connects to the theme of Misogyny and Female Suffering. How does the Circe we see during this relationship differ from the Circe we see at other points?

2. Greek myths often follow the transformation of heroes as they venture off into the world, the change they undergo as a result of their trials, and their return. Circe not only transforms others using her witchcraft but is also transformed herself. How do these smaller transformations affect Circe’s larger transformation? How is she changed by claiming her power? Where does it work against her? At the end of the story, how is Circe different from the beginning of the novel? Identify at least three moments of transformation to support your argument.

3. Circe’s power is at times overwhelming, and she uses it in different ways throughout the novel. How does she use it to create a life of her choosing? How does she use it to stand up to the other gods, especially male ones like Helios and Aeëtes? Where has her power failed her? Why does she hope to give it up to become mortal? How do others use their power—both mortal and immortal—to craft a life for themselves? Connect your discussion to the theme of The Nature of Power and Victory.