Comparing The Sirens In Odyssey And Siren Song

Homer’s epic poem Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus’ encounter with the Sirens and their deadly song which is shown in Margaret Atwood’s poem “Siren Song.” When comparing each text, it is found that the Sirens are portrayed as temptresses that trap you with their beautiful, “honeyed voices.” The tone in the epic poem is bright in the beginning when Homer writes “Helios’ burning rays” and “the sun at high noon.” As the poem progresses, it takes on an ominous tone that shows Odysseus’ self-control as he “stop[s] the ears of [his] comrades one by one” with beeswax. He also has his men “[bind him] hand and foot in the tight ship…lashed by ropes to the mast.” These two examples show Odysseus fighting against his desire to listen to the Siren’s