Resource Guide: 'Circe' by Madeline Miller

On May 6, 2021 the Folger hosts its Virtual Book Club, featuring a discussion on Circe by Madeline Miller. To prepare for the discussion, we have pulled together a list of resources related to Shakespeare and Greek mythology.

LISTEN to a related podcast episode

• Episode 146: Jonathan Bate on the Classics and Shakespeare

READ Shakespeare plays featuring characters appearing in Circe

• Troilus and Cressida
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• The Two Noble Kinsmen

LEARN about Shakespeare and Greek mythology

• Classical references in Shakespeare (Royal Shakespeare Company)
• Ovid’s Metamorphoses (British Library)  
• Shakespeare’s Use Of Mythology (No Sweat Shakespeare) 
• Circe Photo Essay compiled by Madeline Miller

EXPLORE references to Circe in Shakespeare’s plays

• Comedy of Errors (5.1.277) DUKE: Why, what an intricate impeach is this! / I think you all have drunk of Circe’s cup. / If here you housed him, here he would have been. / If he were mad, he would not plead so coldly. / You say he dined at home; the goldsmith here / Denies that saying. Sirrah, what say you?
• Henry VI, Part 1 (5.3.30) YORK: Damsel of France, I think I have you fast. / Unchain your spirits now with spelling charms, / And try if they can gain your liberty. / A goodly prize, fit for the devil’s grace! / See how the ugly witch doth bend her brows / As if with Circe she would change my shape.
• Quiz: Greek mythological figures in Shakespeare’s plays

GO FURTHER with an exploration of Greek tragedy

• 10 Greek Tragedies Every Literature-Lover Should Read (The Curious Reader)

Words, Words, Words discusses Madeline Miller’s Circe on May 6, 2021. The event is free, but registration is required through our website.