The Epic of Calliope

Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides, is so far a captivating read. The content is rather controversial and unique which makes it a book that is incredibly difficult to put down. I like how Eugenides has the main character be the narrator as well. Cal’s story telling makes the novel scientifically informative and all the while entertaining. It is interesting how he goes all the way back to his grandparents to discuss the beginnings of his mutation. Cal seems like a great guy. He has gone through the entire trauma one can surely take in a life, yet he talks almost light heartedly. I suppose with his situation one almost has to take it light heartedly. His story of his grandparents is intriguing and incredibly disturbing…  I do not get squeamish about much. I can handle the whole hermaphrodite ordeal, but incest… It is hard to swallow. Although, it is cool to see the roots of his family just because it makes the novel more intimate and it has certainly made me attached to their Greek family heritage. Although his grandparent’s situation is bizarre, the way that Cal tells the story also makes it semi understandable. It is still very difficult for me to wrap my head around it, but the entire chapter based solely on explaining the chain of events helps me slightly grasp the concept. Regardless, it is pretty weird. But anyways, I am still trying to figure out why his brother is named Chapter Eleven. Hmmm.. Also, Calliope is the muse of epic poetry in Greek Mythology. She apparently always carries around a tablet and is the wisest of the Muses. She is supposedly also the inspiration of the Odyssey and Iliad. So, it seems that the main character, Calliope or Cal, is very intelligent. This is already evident. The first couple of pages make him sound as if he is a science experiment. So, Cal is exposed to the various depths and complexities of science which thus suggests that he is educated far beyond his years. Also, the fact that the Greek Muse Calliope created the most famous epic adventures suggests that Cal will be enduring an adventure of his own. As a hermaphrodite, I would certainly think that his life would be an adventure. “Adventure” suggests over coming obstacles, achieving tasks, and discovering something new. Maybe Middlesex will do just that. Furthermore, Calliope may have been the lover of a war god. In parallel, I am certain that Cal’s condition creates a war amongst society and his friends and family. Lastly, “Calliope” means “beautiful voiced”. Just as Calliope the Greek Muse told poetry, Cal is eloquently telling his story. Perhaps his name means “beautiful-voice” because he is a voice of reason and intrigue. I am not sure what all will happen in this novel, but I am sure it will include times of trial and harshness. But, by barely even reading the novel it is apparent that he has overcome his obstacles and is living to tell his epic.