I'm not sure if it is just because I am a girl or what, but the thing that stuck out to me the most in these books was the double standard that Homer introduces in books five and six. When Odysseus is offered his freedom from Calypso, he hesitates, thinking she might harm him if he leaves. I feel like he also has a small emotional tie to her because of the relationship they have made together. Homer makes it seem like Odysseus is doing no wrong by having romantic relationships with Calypso, Nausicaa, and Circe. However, when it comes to Penelope's lovers that she has acquired since Odysseus has been gone, she is looked at as having betrayed her husband. This presents a double standard that exists even in today's society: men are expected to be charming and have many romantic relationships, while women are expected to remain faithful to one man. I think this stuck out to me most because it almost made me feel sympathy for Calypso while she pleaded with the gods.
P.S. I commented on Kayleigh-Marie Ellison's post.
I understand where you are coming from; but back then it was a right of passage for men to pillage and have "freedom" while in a time of war which explains his affairs with Circe. With Calypso it was more of a refuse and potentially be stricken by the Gods, and the relations with Nausica were not really sexual. This time in history excuses these acts based on the fear of the Gods and on a reward system built by society. In present times, I do feel your concern. The only problem, though, is that humanity as a whole has accepted lust as a common form of reciprocation and even language. Although it is wrong, society as a whole has to address it as a problem before it can even become the problem that needs fixing.
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