Odyssey and Siren free essay sample

The elusive and manipulative Sirens of Homers Odyssey are the focus of Margaret Atwoods poem Siren Song, though the latter is told instead from the Sirens point of view. Through this new point of view, one is able to compare the portrayals of Sirens based on Odysseus account as well as a Sirens herself. Additionally, the feigned blase tone of Atwoods poem adds a comical element that humanizes a being viewed only as a monster in the Odyssey. In Homers Odyssey, Sirens are portrayed as conniving, ruthless creatures whose bloodlust leads them to prey upon each vessel that passes. They use their song to lure men in, crooning compliments at them along the likes of: famous Odysseus—Archeas pride and glory! (Homer 14). Odysseus men are forced to restrain him so that he does not fall victim to the Sirens, and Odysseus even puts beeswax in his crew mens ears so that their are not distracted. We will write a custom essay sample on Odyssey and Siren or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Sirens are seen as a great danger, one that could easily bring destruction on even the paramount and bravest men. When exposed to their ravishing voices, Odysseus feels that the heart inside [him] throbbed to listen longer (Homer 19-20). He prepares himself and his crew for this encounter with the Sirens, making absolutely sure that they will not reap devastation upon his voyage. In Homers example, Sirens are a danger that Odysseus, in this case a representative of mankind, is able to outwit and overpower. Contrastingly, in Margaret Atwoods poem, men are made out to be fools in the eyes of the Sirens. Homers Sirens claim that a man who hears [their song] to his hearts content sails on, a wiser man (Homer 18) while the speaking Siren in Atwoods poem is very blunt in disclosing that the men who listen to their song do not return, for anyone who has heard it / is dead (Atwood 8-9). Atwoods Siren seems to mock men and their misplaced sense of entitlement, describing how simply hearing the Sirens song causes men to leap overboard in squadrons / even though they see the beached skull (Atwood 5-6). Later, the Siren croons directly to a man with an engorged hero complex: This song / is a cry for help: Help me! / Only you, only you can, / you are unique (Atwood 21-24). The sarcasm evident in blandly describing the song as being a cry for help shows how the men would blindly risk their lives if given the opportunity to save the Sirens, and thus earning the title of being a hero. While both Homers Odyssey and Atwoods Siren Song share a specific topic, the point of view from which each is told is crucial to the overall meanings. Homers epic poem focuses on the bravery of man and of Odysseus outwitting the creatures, while Atwoods poem instead focuses on the countless other men whose folly was playing straight into the Sirens ploy. Atwoods poem, being told from the Sirens perspective, makes mankind out to be foolish and vainglorious. This unusual point of view gives the creature a sense of humanity that was completely lacking from Homers original tale.