Contemporary Aeaea

In Homer's Odyssey, Circe's island home is known as Aeaea. The natural landscape of this island is not described in the poem, only implied. Here, Circe's power reigns supreme by her own volition. Even when Odysseus and his men leave Circe's home, she does not relinquish her power. Thus the contemporary Aeaea in the poem is shrouded in Circe's insistence of her power. This can be considered a feminist poetic space because Circe does not yield any ground to men.

The Sea

The sea that surrounds Circe's home of Aeaea is personified as a "crying and pounding" being. The use of personification evokes the sea as something alive that stands in direct contrast to Circe herself, who maintains her power, logic, and benevolence throughout the poem. In this way, the setting of the sea serves as a foil to Circe's character.