Compare and Contrast the Characters of Calypso and Nausicaa

Compare and Contrast the Characters of Calypso and Nausicaa.

Homer describes the character’s of Calypso and Nausicaa very similarly in the Odyssey. They are both seen as kind and hospitable, although one to a higher degree than the other. Calypso captured Odysseus, and forced her to sleep with him, but she was still shown as a kind hearted person, as she gave him food and wine when he departed. Nausicaa was shown to be kind since she was introduced. She helps Odysseus and gets him food and clothes, demanding nothing in return. Another similarity that can be found is that they are both above the average people. Calypso is a Goddess, and Nausicaa the princess of Scherie. Furthermore, they are both looking for a husband, one more forcefully than the other. Calypso bribes Odysseus with the gift of hospitality and agelessness, whilst Nausicaa merely wishes to have a man like that for a husband. This shows a major difference between Calpso and Nausicaa. The Goddess is a lot more confident than the timid princess.

Additionally, the two women are different in the aspect that one is lonely whereas one is always surrounded by people. Calypso has been exiled to stay on this island by herself, after supporting her father in the Titan war. Nausicaa is constantly talking and chatting to her friends maids or the members of her family. This could be the reason why calypso was less amiable to Odysseus than Nausicaa, as Calypso does not usually communicate with people, and therefore not interacting with them. Another major difference between the two is how much they respect the Gods. Calypso, being a Goddess herself, does not see the Gods as highly as Nausicaa, who is but a mere mortal. We can see an example of this as Calypso argues with Zeus, not wanting to let Odysseus leave her island. Nausicaa, however, was shown to listen to Athena as she advised her to wash her clothes. This shows Calypso thinks very highly of