Embracing Our Personal Power
Issue 5: Turning Adversity Into Opportunity with Madeline Miller's "Circe"
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Several retellings are currently reshaping the narrative of these once seemingly discarded characters. Which is fantastic, because I love a good origin story. The writing in this particular book is exquisitely executed, so I hope that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. The retelling I’m referring to is titled “Circe” by Madeline Miller.
Although the more traditional view of the character would be to describe her as an evil witch who turns men into pigs, reading this book written from the female gaze makes this story especially compelling. The story starts to add up the missing pieces that perhaps would have been written off as unimportant, when in actuality they provide context for the circumstances that ensue. Especially the thought process of the protagonist as we’re moving through the circumstances she endures, start to incite empathy in the reader.
After having read the book, it seemed to me that there was absolutely nothing evil about Circe. Her emotional responses to her given circumstances justify the way in which she moves forward in her life. Hardship and obstacles can evoke strong emotional responses out of anyone. So it was refreshing to read about a female character that is learning how to best navigate her circumstances as well as her emotions without much guidance.
It is a beautiful story of a woman learning to embrace her power in the face of hardship and learning to navigate the challenges that she faces alone. It’s a story of self-acceptance, transformation, and pushing past barriers.
In this email we’ll cover:
The Book of The Week
Quotes and Questions to Reflect On
Insights and Inspiration
“It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures - flowers, eggs, anything that may be crushed in a moment’s carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did.” - Madeline Miller, Circe
What’s New?
Book of the Week:
Circe by Madeline Miller
Genre:
Fantasy Fiction
Synopsis:
Although Circe is considered to be a lesser god within her immediate environment, she soon discovers her talent for witchcraft. This, naturally, differentiates her further from her peers, and as a result, allows for little exploration of her newfound powers. Being already somewhat ostracized from her community, when she attempts to use her powers so that she may experience some sort of degree of acceptance, mayhem ensues and Helios banishes her to live in solitude on the island, Aiaia.
Her new life in solitude not only makes her feel more excluded than she already is but puts her in a position where she would have to summon all her strength to keep herself safe. Enduring several hardships while on the island, she realizes that she has to become self-reliant to survive. She devotes herself to her practice, and as a result, becomes increasingly more powerful and confident in the process.
Through experiencing the harsh realities of the world, she finds the inner strength to provide herself with the acceptance that she longed for, and rather than see her gifts as a burden, perceives her gifts as a source of power.
Why We Love It:
This book is much more than just a story about the gods; it is an origin story of how Circe came to be and how she evolved into her most powerful self. It is a story about self-acceptance in the face of hardship, autonomy, and female empowerment. Although she is consistently faced with challenges, these are all obstacles that catalyze her to discover her full potential.
Miller’s story is very feminist in approach as a result, but that’s also why I believe the book has garnered so much success. Circe could not have been as empathetic, captivating, or resonated with audiences as much had it been written from any other point of view. Circe’s story is a story about a woman going through very dark periods, only to utilise her powers to her advantage, and then realise that she is worth so much more than what she was written off for. That in itself is feminist.
So much of what she goes through is something that I think many women could resonate with. Much of what women offer is often written off as unimportant, or even viewed as weak, and therefore we should only operate within certain cultural parameters. However, there is strength in learning to acknowledge and embrace ourselves, which is where I believe the transformation begins. She moves from a place of suppression towards a place of true self-acceptance. Circe, in that regard, is a true example of female empowerment.
This book has so much to offer in terms of plot, writing style, and her character journey, which is why I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to transform their themselves. Circe teaches us that although there is much that is out of control, we can always hone in on our own personal power to help overcome any difficulties life throws at us. In addition, a strong concept that stood out for me was that self-acceptance is key to fully stepping into our power.
Quotes and Questions To Reflect On
Quote of the Week:
“They do not care if you are good. They barely care if you are wicked. The only thing that makes them listen is power.”
― Madeline Miller, Circe
Reflection Questions: (Journal Prompts)
Embracing Inner Strength
Circe's journey is one of self-discovery and embracing her own power despite the odds. Reflect on a time when you discovered your inner strength.
What was the situation, and how did you respond?
What did you learn about yourself through that experience?
How can you apply this knowledge to future challenges?
Redefining Identity
Throughout the novel, Circe grapples with her identity as both a goddess and a woman. Consider your own identity and the different roles you play in life.
How do you define yourself beyond societal expectations?
Are there parts of your identity you feel need more nurturing or acknowledgement?
What steps can you take to honour and integrate all facets of who you are?
Creating Your Path
Circe often forges her path, despite the limitations and judgments imposed by others. Think about a dream or goal you have that may not align with what others expect of you.
What is this dream or goal, and why is it important to you?
What are the obstacles you face in pursuing it, and how can you overcome them?
How can you stay true to yourself and your vision, even when others doubt you?
Insights and Inspiration
Author Spotlight:
This Week’s Featured Author:
Madeline Miller
Background:
Miller is best known for her work as an American historical fiction novelist, although she has also been known to have taught high school classes in English, Greek and Latin literature. Her studies took place at Brown University where she studied the Classics, which heavily influence her work today. Although her first book, “Song of Achilles”, took her ten years to write, the time to complete her other works accelerated thereafter, and she now has several novels that her readers can enjoy. See below for more titles.
Other Works:
Song of Achilles
Gallatea
Beyond the Book:
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Closing Remarks
This story exudes female empowerment. By experiencing Circe’s relationship to her autonomy and the acceptance of what sets her apart, we as readers can start to imagine a world where we develop a healthy relationship with our autonomy and eccentricities as well.
Although Circe was intially consistently looking to be valued by her own family and friends with little response, it is only when she truly looked into herself that she found the value that would otherwise have been written off. In her own journey, it seems to me that it was necessary for her to be separated so that she could see her value and power for what it truly is.
Her transformation from being somewhat of a people-pleaser to now a powerful Sorceress could not have occurred without the adversity she experienced. It forced her to find the strength within herself to overcome these obstacles, and thereby helped her find inner acceptance.
Just as in her story, many of us face difficulties every day. Sometimes we go through periods darker than before. This story, however, shows us that we can transform through our challenges, and that some hardships are a catalyst to finding our strength and power. Circe teaches us that transformation is not only possible but also required to maximise our potential and confidence in ourselves.
Until Next Time!
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Warm regards,
June Tara
Founder of Spark Siren