The most obvious comparison that can be drawn between the Sirens episode and most other adventures is the theme of forgetfulness. The same idea is repeated in Odysseus' adventures with Calypso, Circe, and most importantly the Lotus-eaters. The Sirens are all knowing, and draw men in with their songs about all that has happened in the world, but all those who stop to listen can never leave. Fortunately, the Sirens are unable to draw Odysseus in because he has been forewarned by Circe and knows how to resi

Three themes are derived from the Sirens episode, those of forgetfulness, risk of pain for pleasure and the deceptive female. Each theme is repeated throughout the adventures, and all tie in with one another. Many of the episodes have entwined within them the theme most prevalent in the sirens, that of forgetfulness. From Lotus-eaters to Calypso, each has within it the idea of memory loss. Even so, Odysseus manages to overcome these obstacles, sometimes with help, and stay focused on his homecoming. Yet much of the episodes are purely his fault, for if he had not tried to glean as much pleasure from life and taken so many risks, then they would not have occurred. These are episodes best represented by Polyphemos the Cyclops. The final theme that ties in the Siren episode with that of all others is the deceptive nature of women. Each woman in the work uses craft and trickery to get her way. The Sirens episode has many comparisons to episodes preceding and following it, and contains within it the most prevalent themes of the play, changing only the setting and character descriptions.

Though the preoccupation of the Siren scene leans to forgetfulness, another thematic point can be explored, that of Odysseus' willingness to endure unneeded pain for pleasure. The song of the Sirens is extremely beautiful and satisfies Odysseus' thirst for knowledge. Unfortunately, that fleeting moment wherein he can listen to their songs also makes him endure much pain. "they sang in sweet utterance, and the heart within me desired to listen." (12. 192-193) Not only does his thirst go unsated, for he cannot listen to all they know, but also has to deal with being physically unable to follow his instincts. He begs his men to let him go yet knows that they will not. "I signaled my companions to set me free...fastened me with even more lashings and squeezed me tighter." (12.193-196) Odysseus chooses this pain, for to him the pleasure of hearing the sirens is worth the pain of having their song snatched from him. A similar choice is made when he decides to wait for the Cyclops and see if he will lavish them with gifts. Though he realizes that this is a huge risk, his greed makes him go for it. "I would encounter a man who was endowed with great strength... with no true knowl

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Approximate Word count = 1536
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)