Theme Of Temptation In The Odyssey

Throughout history, Sirens have symbolized temptation. They are known to have lured and tempted sailors to their doom with their singing. The significant theme of temptation is present in an epic known as The Odyssey, a poem “Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood, a song “The Cave” by Mumford and Sons, and a painting “Ulysses and the Sirens” by John William Waterhouse. However, because they are different forms of art, they are portrayed in various interpretations (Introductory Subordinate Clause). The epic The Odyssey by Homer and “Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood can be compared through visual imagery. For instance, in The Odyssey while Odysseus is describing the Sirens, he says, “Sirens weaving a haunting song over the sea are to shun, she said, and their green shore all sweet with clover; yet she urged that I alone should listen to their song. Therefore you

Clearly, they both display a tempting scene but also a dark one (Opening Adverb). Obviously, they differ because in The Odyssey, Odysseus knows how to handle the temptation from the the Sirens, and in “Siren Song” the speaker talks about how men see the beached skulls but still let the tempation control, resulting in their death. Another example is when Odysseus explaining how the Sirens sound and he says, “The lovely voices in ardor appealing over the water made me crave to listen, and I tried to say ‘Untie me!’ to the crew, jerking my brows; but they bent steady the oars” (Homer 752-755). Also, in “Siren Song” the Siren talks about what she sings and explains, “This song/ is a cry for help: Help me!/ Only you, only you can,/ you are unique/ at last. Alas/ it is a boring song/ but it works every time” (Atwood 21-27). Certainly, the sounds that are described in each example compel and tempt people to come near. However, they are very