Comparing and Contrasting Homer's "Odyssey" to Margaret Atwood's "Siren Song"

1. temptation * siren’s are tempted to harm every sailor passing through * Odysseus is tempted to untie himself and jump overboard at the sound of the sirens

2. similarities

3. trickery/ cleverness * Odysseus tricks the Siren by using beeswax in his men’s’ ears, being tied up so he could not be persuaded by the Sirens music * Siren’s tricks the reader into thinking they will tell their own secret to their song, making a death trap illusion

4. Atwood, “Siren Song” * point of view - Siren, creature of Greek mythology * tone - desperate, pleading, helpless, pity, feminine * imagery - ridiculous situation, sympathetic feelings * death - predator/ persuades sailors to jump into the song of the Siren

5. Homer, “Odyssey” * point of view - Odysseus, son of Laertes * tone - bravery, clever, determined, destined fate and glory, masculinity * imagery - missionary/ going to war with the Sirens (plans, armor, given orders to follow) * death - prey/ escapee of death

6. differences