Siren Song

A detailed Summary of Siren Song


1. Who or what does the siren stand for?

In ancient Greek mythology, the sirens were non-human, and stranger creatures, dwelt on dangerous rocks and sang irresistible songs that lured unsuspecting sailors to their death by shipwreck. They appealed to be helpless beautiful women in need of rescuing. This would appeal to the sailors' heroic inclination and play their sense of loneliness. Because of sailors' lapse in judgment, they will lose their lives.

In the modern society, there are various forces at work that act as sirens. One prominent "siren" and one that is hinted at in the poem is nationalism. Countries send out a call to their young people, especially. "Be all that you can be", for example, is a slogan that makes people feel unique and valuable. The idea is to put across that one can be heroic and righteous even though they see the "beached skulls" (line 6) and still "jump


Certainly, besides nationalism, there are other siren songs, such as materialism, or mismatched love, etc. The idea of the siren song represents anything that promises much, but ends up in ruin.

2. How does the poem change tone and what does it accomplish?

ed overboard of squadrons." (line 5)

The techniques that the siren uses show a mastery of human psychology. If we are to rearrange the poem in any other way, it will not have the same powerful effect. For example, if the siren opens the poem asking for help, the sailor will probably reason: " I don't even know you. Why should I help you?" Also, if the poem opens with the description of the "men jump[ing] overboard squadrons" (line 6) and "beached skulls" (line 5), the sailor will likely shut off his mind to the siren's messages. As it is, the sailor is drawn forward, with a sense of adventure, keenly anticipating the reveali

Some common words found in the essay are:
, siren song, line 5, valuable secret, beached skulls line, overboard squadrons line, line 6, skulls line, squadrons line, overboard squadrons, real life, beached skulls,

Approximate Word count = 603
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • A femme fatalamp39s tragedy A femme fatalamp39s tragedy: Womenamp39s mundane life In ampquotSiren Song Many of Margaret Atwoodamp39s heroines are independent, strong, and self serving. ... 458 words
  • Analysis of Margaret Atwoods From its undistinguished title and neat, fluid threeline stanzas Margaret Atwoodamp39s ampquotSiren Songampquot permits the reader to clearly and accurately absorb her theme. ... 852 words
  • The Odyssey 3 ... forget about home. The Siren song itself was of the story of the Trojan War and Odysseusamp39s greatness in the war. He wanted to listen ... 2004 words
  • Danteamp39s Divine Comedy Essay ... In Canto 12 of the Paradiso, Dante the traveler finally fully realizes the degree of evil behind the Siren and her sweet song. After discoursing with St. ... 2059 words
  • Adorno and horkhiemers dialectic of enlightenment ... This is also illustrated by the myth of the Sirens. To escape the Sirenamp39s song Odysseus has one solution for himself and another for the men he masters. ... 3182 words

Professional Essays

  • Chekhovamp39s Notion of Poshlost in Several Stories Anton Chekhov explores the notion of poshlost in a number of stories, taking a lighter view in ampquotThe Sirenamp39s Song,ampquot for example, and a darker view in such ... 2180 words
  • Films and Musical Scores ... The score in ampquotRoad to Perditionampquot is a siren song, luring us in to drown us once we have become too dazzled to pay attention. The ... 1862 words
  • Philip Caputoamp39s A Rumor of War ... Reincarnated as a ampquotsoldier of light,ampquot he opened his soul to the siren song of adventure, stoked on adrenaline, marinating himself in the next war, the next ... 3081 words
  • Planned Economies ... economy and a planned economy. The free market, on the one hand, sings the siren song of selfregulation. If you allow companies to ... 760 words
  • Wandering of Central Characters in Odyssey ampamp Ulysses ... It is Odysseus who wants to make sure he hears the Sirenamp39s song, Odysseus who understands the need for escaping the Lotus eaters, Odysseus who is willing to ... 3134 words
  • Free Market, Planned Economies ... economy and a planned economy. The free market, on the one hand, sings the siren song of selfregulation. If you allow companies to ... 760 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved.