Many forms of popular culture today are inspired by themes, characters, and other references in various types of classical literature. John Denver’s song “Calypso” is about the relationship between men and women, and he bases this comparison on the relationship between Kalypso and Odysseus in Homer’s the Odyssey. In “Calypso” Denver portrays women in general as being superior to men by using the beautiful and enchanting goddess, Kalypso, from Homer’s epic. John …showed first 75 words of 737 total…

…showed last 75 words of 737 total…and “shows him the way” to get off her island. Many other gods and goddesses help aid Odysseus with his struggles. Athena helps him throughout his entire voyage, while Hermes aids him with messages on Kalypso’s island and at Kirke’s domain. The Odyssey influences John Denver’s song “Calypso” in many ways. The character Kalypso represents the women in society as a whole, while many other interpreted allusions are portrayed throughout the song.