Siren Song – Short Analysis
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In Homers epic, the Odyssey, he tells the often sad, often terrifying tale of Odysseus attempt to return home. One encounter occurred at the Sirens island, a rocky place where sailors me their fate in a twisted convergence of ship and shore.
Homer portrays these Sirens as dangerous and deceptive, and their song tempts Odysseus so much that he orders his men to tie him down, simply to ensure his survival. Margaret Atwoods poem: Siren Song, however, basks the Sirens in a light of subtle danger, and extreme desperation. Stanzas four and eight detail that desperation, as one Siren sings, begging for liberation “out of this bird suit Help me!… only you can.”
Despite the uncertainty of her sincerity, it highlights Atwoods frequent use of weak
feminine roles screaming out for liberation. Odysseus ignores this plea from “the honeyed voices” to the best of his abilities.
Atwood and Homer differ primarily in point of view; Odysseus narrates the Odyssey, and
one Siren narrates Siren Song. This difference signifies the conflict between Odysseus and the
Sirens, and the one Sirens discontent with her station in the universe. Sensory language also prevails in both words. Sound and touch form into reality with Homers choice of language, speaking of the Sirens “ravishing voices” and the “chaffing rope.” Atwoods poem, however, details the visual experience, describing the Sirens as “picturesque and mythical.”
Odysseus prevails in both works, resisting the Sirens call due to his epic strength and intellect, further defying the Sirens claim, “it is a boring song, but it works every time.”