Siren In The Odyssey

Some people have one inanimate object in their lives that they find so enticing that they are incapable of withstanding. One object that lures them into a deep trap not giving them any chance to resist. In Margaret Atwood’s “Siren Song” as well as Homer’s The Odyssey the one inanimate object all men cannot seem to resist is a Siren calling them in. In “Siren Song” we see a portrayal of this irresistible lure by one Siren’s song as merely a taunting boredom, while in The Odyssey the Siren is seen as a toxic desire. Both these poems portray these characteristics of the Siren through point of view, tone, and imagery.

The sirens in both texts have different views on the song and how it allures people. They describe what it does to people who come in close proximity of the song.

The Odyssey, by Homer, was written with the Greek mindset that women were supposed to be submissive. If the woman in question was not submissive enough, she was depicted as cruel, selfish, a monster, or a whore. This is true for both mortal women, such as Penelope, and immortal goddesses, such as Calypso. Mortal women were expected to be good faithful wives who listened to everything the head of the household said, while goddesses were expected to follow the gods every order and were called sexist slurs if they ever got involved with a mortal man.

For decades, writing has been a way for authors to create byproducts of themselves and portray their alike qualities within what the outside world would like to consider fictional characters. It’s not uncommon to the writing world of novels and prestigious narratives – take Stephen King for example: although he didn’t hide his motives as he used his original name in “Songs of Susannah,” he introduced himself into the plot nonetheless, creating a familiar atmosphere where realism was incorporated into a dream. When reading short stories like ‘Red Cranes’ by Jacey Choy and ‘The Firefly Hunt’ by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki, the audience can only be led to imagine if the authors have placed themselves in a position to empathize with their creations.

Although having pride in yourself may be a positive in moderation, being too proud of oneself will lead to nothing. Many who look down on others will never learn from their peers, and will only boast of their own achievements. In the poems from “The Odyssey Book 12” by Homer and “Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood, both authors write of Odysseus’ struggle regarding the Sirens. Sirens are half-woman, half-bird creatures who use their music to tempt sailors to shipwreck on islands or to jump off the boat to their death. They call out to him on his journey back home, trying to get him to come to them. The Sirens sing of his great accomplishments, and use flattery to lure him out. These poems show that arrogance and vanity will get one nowhere.

Mythical creatures known as Sirens have a reputation of luring sailors to their deaths by singing enchanting songs causing them to crash into the nearby rocks. In the epic poem, “The Odyssey" Homer depicts Sirens as beautiful creatures that lure men to their death. Sirens also show up in the epic poem “Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood. Homer depicts Sirens as alluring, provocative, and omnipotent creatures while Atwood depicts them as dismal, unsightly, and conniving creatures. The contrasts between Homer’s malevolent Sirens and Atwood’s grim Sirens can be seen through the use of literary devices such as diction, imagery, and point of view.

Having each story been written in a third-person narrative form, the reader knows the innermost feelings of the

Greek society is highly stratified, one where the distinctions between Nobles, peasants, and slaves are explicit. While many people consider women oppressed in the ancient hierarchy, this notion is somewhat contradicted in the Odyssey, where many women act as powerful figures. Penelope separates herself from the suitors that plague her palace, who are relentless in their pursuit for her hand in marriage. Circe has the capability to seduce an entire unit of Odysseus’ men and turn them into pigs. Athena benevolently guides Telemachus over the many obstacles he faces on his quest to seek out his father. Helen defects from Sparta, rallying all of Troy for her cause. Clytemnestra deceitfully plans Agamemnon's death for her new love interest, Aegisthus. Women in the Odyssey show that through seduction, trickery, and wisdom, women of Ancient Greece are able to obtain significant power.

The Sirens in the Odyssey represent more than just a maritime danger to the passing ship. They are the desires of man that he cannot have. The Sirens can also be construed as forbidden knowledge or some other taboo object. Whatever these singing women actually are, the sailors are wise to avoid them. As usual, the wily Odysseus cheats at the rules of the game by listening to their song under the restraints constructed by his crew.

To go home, back to Ithaca, Odysseus had to pass the sirens, which could have lead them to their death. Sirens sing songs that make sailors interested in going to where they are and it usually leads them to their death. When they were about to pass the sirens, Odysseus made sure they wouldn't listen to them. “I carried wax along the line, and laid it thick on their ears,” (Homer 982.2:43-44) This is when they were passing the sirens and Odysseus took care of the others so they wouldn't hear the sirens and only he could. When Odysseus and the others had to go to the Lotus Eaters Island, he made sure no one ate the lotus plant/flower because he knew the dangers of it. “I drove them… all hand aboard, come no one taste the lotus.” (Homer 967.1:50-54)

The Greeks are known for many things.They are respected in so many ways and have a ton of history behind them.They are the most advanced in their history. Many of their discoveries are taught in school as lessons in History. Stories like the most famous The Odyssey Book 12-14 By Homer where it explains when Odysseus crosses paths with her crew members where the Encounter The Sirens. Sirens are a perfect example of the many mythologies dealt with in Ancient Greek.

1. Who is the witch-goddess who transforms Odysseus's crew into swine when he lands on her island? B3

Writing from different viewpoints allows the author, Tim O’Brien, to express himself in a more comfortable manner. Written in this viewpoint, the story is read as a tale instead of an autobiography and the author becomes more distant with the story like he is looking into it rather than writing it.

The Hero’s Journey, as defined by Joseph Campbell, is a set of stages a protagonist must undergo to reinter into his known and normal world after facing many challenges. One specific challenge the hero must face is described as the Supreme Ordeal, which is the moment the greatest fear is confronted. In The Odyssey, Odysseus must kill the suitors who took over his household to reach the next stage of his journey. As Odysseus slaughters the suitors in the hall of his home in Book 22, not only does he enter the Supreme Ordeal stage of the Hero’s Journey to face his greatest fear, but also is one phase closer to reintegrating with society.

7. The mood or tone of the story. The author 's choice of characters events situation details and his