Some of the things in the text are similar, but some things are absent within the text. In “The Odyssey”, the Sirens are not bird-like, there is no skulls and bodies laying around everywhere, and nobody on the boat is killed(Homer). “O’Brother, Where Art Thou?” removes the ocean setting, Odysseus heroism, and the men having wax in their ears. Within the stanzas of the poem “Siren Song”, the story lacks the men and Odysseus, the heroism of Odysseus, and the men “fall for it everytime” (Atwood). Authors of these stories removed these things so that their more appealing to the eye.
Homer’s Odyssey, a Greek epic poem, introduces mythological creatures, like the sirens, to an audience that becomes highly influenced and mesmerized by these creatures that it inspired new piece of literature. For example, Margaret Atwood dedicates a whole poem to the sirens, which is the first mentioned in The Odyssey as creatures that lures sailors to their death, but ,unlike the Odyssey, it is written in the point of view of the sirens. Even though the depiction of the sirens are distinct and told in different point of view, both pieces of writing, Homer’s Odyssey and Atwood’s “ Siren Song”, have similar elements of cleverness. Homer describes Odysseus as wise, which is a characteristic needs to help the crew escape disasters and deaths.
The Odyssey written by Homer and the Siren Song, by Margaret Atwood both use imagery, symbolism, different tones and different point of view to depict Sirens. The Odyssey surrounds a man who hears the Sirens song, but uses different tactics to survive it, although the Siren Song is written as if the written is a siren trying to prey on the readers. The difference of narrators tells the story of the Sirens in two very different
Homer’s The Odyssey is one of the oldest works of Western literature, second only to Homer’s Iliad. It’s influence on Western culture ranges from the characters and story, to his innovative writing style, characterized by his use of literary devices. Though Homer uses many literary devices in his telling of The Odyssey, epic similes are one of the most vital part of the storytelling. They allow the reader to envision the scene in a different way, comparing it to descriptions that can be vividly imagined in the head.
There are sundry items emphasized in these three texts. Not only is the song and spell highlighted in “The Odyssey”, but also the challenge Odysseus and his crew had to face(Homer). “O Brother Where Art Thou?” discusses the women who sing the Siren song, the spell, and the disappearance of the men. The poem accentuates the Siren song (Atwood). Odysseus wanted to surrender to the captivating song of the Sirens, but the ropes hindered him.
The Han’s Expansion and Economy is about an analysis of about events leading up the Han’s expansion and economy. The purpose is to show the importance of how fast the Han Dynasty had recovered from turmoil and yet was able to prosper in a matter of time. The Han was recovering from a major turmoil from the Qin Dynasty: from callous decrees to the transition between the Qin-Han. The Qin-Han transition is had occurred between the fall of the Qin and the beginning of the Han. In between the transition it had cause chaotic to the both the people and land.
This scene relies on a fast tempo and vivid imagery to create a strong sense of suspense and action. Odysseus and his crew have to sail through a strait that is guarded by the Sirens who no man has ever heard and resisted. Homer shows Odysseus’ clever response through action, preventing his men from hearing by plugging their ears with beeswax and having himself tied down. The reader get create a mental picture of Odysseus fastened to the center mast on a small galley with men all around him rowing hard into the choppy surf. The choice of “lashed” instead of tied or “churned the whitecaps” instead of pushed through the waves creates a more vivid idea of the actio, drawing on the reader’s own experiences with viscerally lashing a rope and the
In the “Odyssey”, Homer introduces the expedition Odysseus goes through to return to his native land. At one point he and his comrades must take the path that leads them to the island of the Sirens. The notorious sirens sing their sickeningly sweet tune to entice men to their eradication. Poet Atwood depicts the sirens in a calamitous facet. Both Homer and Atwood convey the idea that the Sirens pose a detrimental role through the application of imagery and diction.
To begin, the first area that really develops the sirens in the story is indeed the point of view. In this story one specific point of view speaks to mind that being first person point of view; this view gives direct intel from the character rather than from the narrator or a secondary character. In the first person point of view one direct quote stands out that can be used to really understand and develop the reader's interpretation of the Sirens. In the text the Sirens state that, "I don't enjoy it here, squatting on this island". Sirens are supposed to be all beautiful women that get whatever they desire but yet, when given everything it seems that not everything can bring happiness.
The Odyssey would be less memorable without Homer’s masterful use of figurative language. This poem can only stand the test of time when the figurative language is used to help readers relate to the text no matter what time period they come from. Figurative language in the text has made the story as a whole more interesting and has made countless readers engaged by this tale of, in Homer’s own words, “that man skilled in all ways of contending.” (p. 813,
Bradlee Dowling Mrs. Hughes Spanish 9, Honors 13 January 2023 Temptation in the Siren’s Songs The siren’s songs in Homer’s The Odyssey, Lowell’s poem, “The Sirens,” and Atwood's poem, “Siren Song” entrance sailors into thinking their island can provide anything, but at what cost? Whether it be songs about rest, knowledge, or glory, the sirens tempt sailors into believing that their melodies can provide mariners deepest desires; however, the lesson these sailors learn is that eventually desire can lead to destruction.
Given the leader he is, when Odysseus and his men encountered the sirens, his men were quick to follow his instructions with diligence. Homer writes, “Sirens weakening a haunting song over the sea we are to shun”(690-691). The sirens sing a songs to lure sailors to their death. Homer writes, “I alone should listen to their song”(693-694). Odysseus knowing what the sirens purpose and having prior knowledge of the things the sirens would say to him.
Instead, the text talks about the actions of Odysseus who "sliced an ample wheel of beeswax [...] and I stopped the ears of my comrades one by one". Indeed, the only understanding of the sirens comes from their speech; this perspective originates from the Odyssey's point of view. Unlike "Siren Song," The Odyssey's focuses on the person who opposes the sirens, Odysseus, more than the sirens themselves. This leads to the Sirens lacking any special quality that would make them any different than any obstacle there is noting personal about them. This is in contrast "Siren Song," which focuses almost exclusively on the siren.
In the passage of The Odyssey, Odysseus quotes Circe while at Alcinous’s Court, telling what she said to do and what he ultimately did, in this excerpt: “But if you wish to listen / let the men tie you in the lugger, hand / and foot, back to the mast, lashed to the mast, / so you may hear those Harpies thrilling voices;” (Homer 12.672-675). Odysseus was tempted by the idea of listening to the siren’s song, and caved into it. He knew that the sirens were dangerous creatures responsible for the deaths of countless men like himself, but subjected himself to their cries anyways. In the poem “Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood, there is this quote: “I will tell the secret to you, / only you, only to you. / Come closer.
In Homer’s “The Odyssey” the traces and nuances of this pursuit can be found in the very structure and hierarchy of Ancient Greece. Through his storytelling, Homer paints a vivid picture of adventure and wonder, but even while Homer tries to deliver an
