Margaret Atwood is a Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, essayist, and environmental activist. She is a winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award and Prince of Asturias Award for Literature, has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize five times, winning once, and has been a finalist for the Governor General's Award several times, winning twice.
While she is best known for her work as a novelist, she has also published fifteen books of poetry. Many of her poems have been inspired by science fiction and feminism and often portrays female characters dominated by patriarchy in her novels.
Siren Song, by Margaret Atwood, is a free verse poem with 9 stanzas consisting of 3 lines each. This poem is heavily embedded with enjambment as a poetic technique, creating a loose flow of sentences with minimal punctuation. This technique is effective in communicating to the readers in modern terms, and to create a casual and informal speaker voice. The use of enjambment throughout Siren Song builds suspense and draws the
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readers deeper into the metaphorical siren song. The themes of Lies & Deceit, Femininity, Masculinity and Isolation are all evident throughout each stanza. Siren Song deceives its readers into believing that they are special and in control of the situation, never aware that the poem is deceit in itself. The audience is so involved in being told that they’re "unique" that they fail to realize that the very thing they want to learn about is the thing they’ve been hearing all along. Deception, as a theme, is best shown through the flattery of the egos of the readers. The concepts of feminine sexuality are expressed very clearly through the knowledge of the common hyper sexuality in Greek mythology; the origin of the Siren myth. Sirens are always women in Greek mythology and are assumed to be highly feminine, seductive and fragile, in the sense that they are waiting to be rescued by men. This fact influences the readers to question the sexual roles women so often play in literature. These roles, according to our speaker, often appear "picturesque and mythical," which comes is implied to be monotonous, as shown in her tone of boredom. Siren Song” represents gender inequality in a response to the typical hyper sexualised feminine tragedy persona the original myth portrays by telling the story from the Sirens point of view. Atwood changes the perspective of typical representations of sirens and the sailors that they trap in an attempt to remove the socially constructed, demeaning gender roles. Siren Song is also a model example for archetype villainy which appears as if the female is in need some help or are innocent. The title gives a preview into the poem's themes and helps to evaluate the typical representations of predator and prey power discourses. Additionally, the vagueness of the title helps to entice the reader. The readers first impression is that that the speaker is intending to reveal the secret of the siren song to them, however, it is later revealed that this ‘trust’ that the speaker is evoking in the reader is actually a tool intended to deceive the reader. Finally, it is acknowledged by both the speaker and the audience that the poem itself is the siren song and that by trusting the speaker, the reader has succumbed to the trickery. Additionally, the title further allows for the reader to examine the power struggles between male and female, and allows an insight into the perception of ‘weak’ femininity versus heroic masculinity. ‘Siren Song’ by Margaret Atwood effectively represents isolation as a theme through the thorough description of the speakers suffering on the island with her companions, whom she describes as ‘feathery maniacs’. This tool allows for a deeper evaluation into the vulnerability of the siren-speaker and the tragedy she is constantly surrounded with. Applying this personification of the speaker creates a more empathetic evaluation of the speaker by allowing her to be perceived as ‘real’ or ‘humane’. It is also evident that the roles assigned to femininity in Greek mythology are isolating the speaker in her own existence. Atwood states that “men leap overboard in squadrons though they see the beached skull”.
In this line, it is being explained that it is impossible for men to resists the song, regardless of the obvious loom of death present and the supposed strength that Homer applies to masculine roles in ‘The Odysseus’ which is the original piece of work outlining the Siren myth. The lines “it is a cry for help” and “I don’t enjoy it here” help to further accentuate the readers understanding of the humanity of the speaker. Atwood also uses anaphora to tell an ironic story of how the reader can personally save the siren from her isolation but instead, is deceived into succumbing to the sirens seduction. The use of the free verse technique is applied instead of typical prescribed meters and rhymes. This creates a ‘casual’ persona for the siren. This works to lure the reader into the siren song as the reader feels that the siren can be trusted and that the siren trusts
them. Colloquial words and phrases such as “bird suits” and “feathery maniacs” are used to further entice the reader into a trance of comfort. The poem is composed in such a way that the reader feels that the speaker is talking directly to them, through the application of rhetorical questions such as “will you get me out of this bird suit?”. This question being directed to the reader helps to amplify the ‘potency’ of the sirens allure. The colloquial tone of conversation Atwood has implemented allows the reader to both see the siren’s ability to be tricky, without actually revealing that the reader is being deceived. The speaker taunts the audience through the line "song everyone would like to learn", implying that what she is about to say to you is highly appealing. She does this, however, without actually explicitly stating that she's been singing the song all along. Her language is designed to flatter the readers and to evoke a sense of "uniqueness" without ever revealing her true intentions. The first stanza reveals the seduction of the audience by generalising them with the use of ‘everyone’. This invites the readers into the song and creates the feel that the reader is friends with the speaker, and that she welcomes the reader into her song. By using informal wording and expressions like, "this is the one" and "everyone would like to learn," the readers create a modern speaker with a casual and familiar environment. Additionally, colons in lines 2 and 3 help to maintain the poem's mood of anticipation and suspense. Line 3 taunts the reader, making them believe that the second stanza will reveal the secrets of the siren song. After taunting the reader, the second stanza reveals an anticlimax through more elaboration on fatal consequences that are a result of hearing the siren song. Past experiences of men being lured to their deaths are exemplified to provide proof of the potency of the siren song. It is concluded that men lose their minds over this song, leaping overboard even though they're leaping right into an island filled with "beached skulls." The Siren-speaker is also alluding to just how dedicated these men are to save the ‘damsel’. Enjambment is used throughout the second stanza, which assists in the conversational nature of the free verse technique used. Lines 7-9 of the third stanza further express the vague seduction the speaker is implementing through words like "anyone," "nobody," and "others," which assists in the representation that there is no possible escape for the sirens victims. The fourth stanza builds tension by claiming that the secret will finally be shared with the reader and plays on the typical sexual imagery associated with Sirens. “Will you get me out of this bird suit” suggests that this stereotype is an unwanted experience for the speaker, and suggests that the siren is helpless in her predetermined fate. By line 12 of Siren Song, it is made clear to the reader that the allure of this flirtatious, sneaky woman is superficial; it does not run any deeper than her singing. A subtle shift in tone and purpose is also evident and assists in the representation that the speaker trusts the reader and personally needs them. The tone shifts to ask the audience a direct question, which personalises the line and further accentuates the flattery being executed. In the fifth stanza, the speaker is also hinting at the biased ways that storytellers assign specific characteristics to characters specifically, the superficial sexualisation of women in literature. Words like "picturesque" infer that the siren is nothing but a physical embodiment of female sexuality. It also admits that the speaker is represented as a desire, rather than a person. By line 16 of the sixth stanza, the speaker describes the other sirens as ‘feathery maniacs’ which references the harsh truth behind the ‘picturesque and mythical’ embodiment of female sexuality that sirens supposedly express. Atwood is providing us with a little twist on the whole predator-prey theme by exposing the sirens vulnerability and distaste for her duties to her other sirens. The seventh stanza repeats "you" in lines 19 and 20 in order to further the friendship between the speaker and the audience. The anaphora seen through the use of "to you” personifies what the speaker is saying and implies that it is a personal message specifically for the reader which assists in the siren-like luring of the reader through flattery. By line 22 of the eighth stanza, after more enjambment, it is revealed that "this song" is actually a cry for help. The speaker is evoking the reader to help her due to the familiarity she has created with them. A sense of tragic femininity is exposed to the audience, almost begging the audience to help- the speaker from the fatal island she is stranded on. Additional anaphora expressed through flattery is repeated in the "only you" clause. Atwood is working with that predator-prey theme in the context of man's vanity. The speaker is revealing the idea that man plays the hero because of his own ego rather than some great cause. The ninth and final stanza reveals that the reader has become victim to the same fate as all the other sailors who have heard the secret of the siren song. It is also inferred that the reason the readers were unaware that they were being trapped by the speaker is because they were so absorbed in believing that they were special and could save the speaker from her isolation. The tone of this stanza changes once again with the use of “it is a boring song” and “at last” which infers that the siren is bored and disinterested with her song and suddenly becomes very nonchalant. The predator-prey theme is turned completely on its head as the reader realizes that they were completely oblivious that they were being baited until it was too late. It is also revealed that the readers are victims of their own egos as they fall right into the trap of believing that they held the power and were truly heroic when in fact they were the sad, pathetic prey.
Atwood uses the point of view of the Sirens to portray the deception. The last lines of the passage state "I will tell the secret to you, to you, only to you. Come closer." The Sirens trick men, such as Odysseus, into their arms by singing tunes. In the mind of the Sirens, they seduce men, eventually confessing that the song they sing is boring but works every time (line 25-27). The Sirens are bored with the same tune, however, knowing the trick works every time, the Sirens continue to sing the song each time. The Sirens acknowledge their shadyness and continue to deceive the men.
That insinuates how Sirens entice people into their own death. From Odysseus’ standpoint, he hoped to get away from them, stating,”the heart inside me throbbed to listen longer”,signifying he could not bare to hear them croon longer. Furthermore, the Sirens are portrayed as underprivileged. In the siren song it declares,”This song is a cry for help:Help me!Only you,only you can.” That exhibits how the Sirens are in need of assistance.
The Sirens in the "Odyssey" seem dark and evil due to the author's choice of words or diction. The words used in the song provide a tone of mystery and darkness. For example, "Come closer, famous Odysseus...Never had any sailor passed our shores in his black craft (line 15)." This demonstrates that the diction gives the audience a suspicion that it is
Margaret Atwood is famous for many things. She is a poet, novelist, story writer, essayist, and an environmental activist. Her books are usually bestsellers and have received high praises in the United States, Europe, and her native country, Canada. She has also received many Literary awards, like the Booker Prize, the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and the two Governor General’s Awards (“Margaret Atwood” Poetry). Through her books, she has written about what she sees in society towards women. She discusses how gender equality was corrupted in the past, but still is far from being reached, and women’s roles in society (“Spotty-handed”). Atwood also takes events in her life; like the Great Depression, Communism, and World War II; and applies it to her works. Margaret Atwood's works, including her novel The Handmaid's Tale, reflects women’s fight in equality, how society determines
"AP Lit." : "Siren Song" by Margaret Atwood along with Analysis. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2014.
Odysseus uses his brain to sail past the Sirens without being entranced by their sweet song. A Siren is a bird-woman who bewitches everyone that approaches. The Siren women sing a seductive song. Their song has many powers. As Nugent says “as in the days of the musician Orpheus, music still has power to soothe the savage beast, to ally anxiety, and to connect with the divine through contemplation” (Nugent 45-54). Circe tells Odysseus, “There is no homecoming for the man who draws near them unawares and hears the Siren’s voices” (Homer XII, 40). . Odysseus follows the advice Circe gave him to put beeswax in his men’s ears so they will not be entranced. Odysseus then tells his men “but she instructed me alone to hear their voices…”(XII, 160), when, truthfully, Circe states, “But if you wish to listen yourself, make them bind you hand and foot on board and place you upright by the housing of the mast, with the rope’s ends lashed to the mast itself”(XII, 49). In this way, Odysseus is being selfish only wishes to know the Siren’s sing so he will...
...g of the Sirens and end up as one of the corpses in their “meadow.” The Sirens have the power to “spellbind any man alive” with their “high, thrilling songs” and preventing them from ever making it home. A man lured by the Sirens will never see his wife or “happy children” again. His story will be over, and he will be lost forever. The Greeks rely on their story and legacy to retain their identity and memory after death. The Sirens represent distractions that lure travellers from their journey and decrease or completely remove their determination to return home. When a man stays true to his purpose and avoids any Siren-like distractions, he lives and comes home to a wonderful family. When a man makes himself susceptible to any Siren’s call, be it from an actual Siren or just something tempting enough to sway him from his task, he is destined to fail and be forgotten.
Marianne Moore was an all-time good writer. She had many difficulties but she overcame them.
...y sirens represent half-women, half-bird creatures who lived on an island. They used to sing in beautiful voices to lure sailors off their course. When Odysseus was sailing by the siren's island, he made the rest of his men plug up their ears and ties him to the mainmast. This way, he got to hear the beautiful sound of their voice without being driven to suicide. In this story the women weeping over Lautaro were compared to the sirens, and some sailors going to tie themselves to the mainmast in an attempt to mimic Odysseus. There is a contrast of these stories with the quotes from the villagers.
... she addressed many problems of her time in her writings. She was an inspirational person for the feminism movements. In fact, she awoke women’s awareness about their rights and freedom of choice. She was really a great woman.
Feminism as we know it began in the mid 1960's as the Women's Liberation Movement. Among its chief tenants is the idea of women's empowerment, the idea that women are capable of doing and should be allowed to do anything men can do. Feminists believe that neither sex is naturally superior. They stand behind the idea that women are inherently just as strong and intelligent as the so-called stronger sex. Many writers have taken up the cause of feminism in their work. One of the most well known writers to deal with feminist themes is Margaret Atwood. Her work is clearly influenced by the movement and many literary critics, as well as Atwood herself, have identified her as a feminist writer. However, one of Atwood's most successful books, The Handmaid's Tale, stands in stark contrast to the ideas of feminism. In fact, the female characters in the novel are portrayed in such a way that they directly conflict with the idea of women's empowerment.
To begin, the poem, “Eve’s Apology,” uses many different poetic devices such as alliteration, assonance, rhyme scheme, and simile. The author uses a great number of alliteration, which is the repetition of constant sounds generally at the beginnings of words. Alliteration can be seen in the words “what” and “weakness” in line 3. Some more examples of alliteration throughout the poem are “subtle serpent’s” (23), “he had him” (24), and “with words which” (30). Assonance, the repetition of the same or similar vowel sounds in stressed syllables that end with different consonant sounds, is another poetic device that the author uses greatly. Some examples of assonance are found in lines 10 “ The ‘p...
Throughout history, poets had experimented with different forms of figurative language. Figurative language allows a poet to express his or her meaning within a poem. The beauty of using the various forms of figurative language is the ability to convey deep meaning in a condensed fashion. There are many different figures of speech that a poet can use such as: simile, paradox, metaphor, alliteration, and anaphora. These examples only represent a fraction of the different forms, but are amongst the most well-known. The use of anaphora in a poem, by a poet, is one of the best ways to apply weight or emphasis on a particular segment. Not only does an anaphora place emphasis, but it can also aid in setting the tone, or over all “feel” a reader receives from a poem. Poets such as Walt Whitman, Conrad Aiken, and Frances Osgood provide poems that show how the use of anaphora can effect unity, feeling, and structure of a poem.
Love is the emotion of unstable properties. It can be mended by the holder to produce the sweetest of nectar but if done incorrectly can leave the most bitter aftertaste of regret. This line is formed between love and lust, which a male seemingly cannot distinguish from another. We are like minnows wondering in the depths of the unknown seeking for the light of an angel but we fall for ignorance being consumed by the angler fish, our assumptions. Scarred by these events, we still do not learn. “Siren Song” portrays a story about a siren bored of her own tricks and men all together. “Delilah” is about a heartbroken man regretting his decision of murder due to his hard-headedness. In the poem “Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood and the song “Delilah” by Tom Jones both use Plot, Point of
Even if she successfully committed suicide, her imaginative self, the divine person that performed the show, will survive. As any performer, and manipulative persona, the speaker -mimicking Sylvia- is always aware of the effect and power over others. As she now “eat[s] men like hair,” she has grasped her new self that has been reborn after the last attempt: A woman that knows and controls the arts of manipulation and dying in order to survive in a patriarchal and oppressive society (Plath 84). Similarly, Atwood’s “Siren Song” contains the same themes; the Siren is isolated but a men devourer, she does not fear males because she is just like the speaker of Lazarus at the end: manipulative. In her Song, the Siren explains the consequences of listening to her anthem. However, while attempting to scare and alert about her song, she sings it. The beginning sentences “this is the one song everyone / would like to learn: the song / that is irresistible:” captivate the audience just like a Siren’s song captivates her male-prey (Atwood