The story of The Odyssey begins with the story of the Muse. In O’Brother Where Art Thou? begins with R. Fitzgerald’s translation of Homer’s Odyssey (Weinlich). O’Brother Where Art Thou? is the Coen brothers take on Odysseus’ story that has been passed down for generations. Polyphemus, the Underworld, and Sirens are stories in The Odyssey, and they also play a part in O’Brother Where Art Thou?, however; they both have different takes on these stories. In The Odyssey, Odysseus said, “Cyclops, you might as well take some of our liquor to savor with your barbarous feast” (Lattimore). This quote is talking about Polyphemus. Polyphemus is depicted as an evil, monstrous Cyclops. He eats some of Odysseus’ men and feels no remorse (Lattimore). …show more content…
However, they are different, in The Odyssey, Sirens lure men in with their voices and kill them. This story touches on the theme of human’s struggles of irresistible but harmful appeal. Also, in regards to temptation, both the movie and the book shows the lengths people will go to and be tempted, but do not actually follow through with their temptation. In O’Brother Where Art Thou?, the Sirens lure the men in but do not harm them. However, even though they seem to be in a safe place, there is danger. The Sirens turn Pete into the police for the reward money. This shows the greed that material objects like money can have on people. This also shows the greed of people, which is a struggle of irresistible appeal. Both stories have women as the Sirens, who seduce men with their singing voice. Also, the Sirens manipulate the men to get what they want. For example, in The Odyssey, “[T]hen goes on, well-pleased, knowing more than ever he did; for we know everything that the Argives and Trojans did and suffered in wide Troy through the gods' despite. Over all the generous earth we know everything that happens” (Lattimore). The Siren’s seem to be baiting Odysseus with the promise of knowledge. These parallels are only some that correlate to both the movie and the