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The Representation Of The Sirens In Margaret Atwood's The Siren Song

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The Representation Of The Sirens In Margaret Atwood's The Siren Song
In Homer's Greek epic poetry, "Odyssey", the Sirens are described as devilish, mythical creatures while in Margaret Atwood's poem, the "Siren Song", are portrayed as innocent, mythical creatures trying to escape their fate while using tone, point of view, and monologue to each's advantage of portrayals of the Sirens.

Throughout,the encounter of the Sirens in the "Odyssey", Homer's diction places the Sirens as villains preventing Odysseus from completing his journey. Homer writes, "...the Sirens sensed...ship...racing past and burst into their high, thrilling song: Come closer...so you can hear our song!" Homer's word choice for describing the Sirens makes them seem wicked and hungry for disaster, for using words such as "sensed", "racing", "thrilling" and "closer" makes them devilish creatures. While, Atwood's diction, in the "Siren Song", is innocent and intriguing. Atwood writes, "I don't enjoy it here squatting...looking picturesque and mythical...don't enjoy singing...This song...cry for help..." Unlike Homer's diction, Atwood's diction focuses on making the Sirens look pitiful and not devilish like …show more content…
Homer dictates,"Come closer, famous Odysseus...Never has any sailor passed our shores...honeyed voices from our lips..." This demonstrates how Homer does not intend on making the Sirens look helpful in the Odyssey, but another obstacle to face. On the other hand, Atwood's poem, the "Siren Song"is written in the view point of a Siren. Atwood dictates, "Shall I tell you the secret...if I do...get me out of...bird suit...don't enjoy it here...with these two feathery maniacs...Help me!" Atwood has given the readers the opportunity to get the view point of a Siren and her role which she is not very appreciative of, which the readers can infer that the Sirens are pitiful creatures to begin
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