Our speaker is isolated with two "feathery maniacs" on an island...Sirens are always women in Greek mythology, so you know there will be some ideas floating around in "Siren Song" regarding women and the femininity they're meant to represent. The analysis of some of the literary devices used in this poem is given belowPoetic and literary devices are the same, but a few are used only in poetry. It was first published in 1974 in her collection, You Are Happy. But it's conditional. Rescue isn't needed by the male. Please choose which areas of our service you consent to our doing so. Theme- The overall theme of “The Siren Song” revolves around the idea of seducing a man through temptation. The siren, the woman, didn't really need the man. Once the men are listening to the song, they are murdered.
The speaker tells of the special song, with no mention of the personal 'I', as if she is on the island surveying the most recent and oldest victims.Helplessness is the common theme. This shows that Atwood could entice any man just by saying a few words and crying out for help.
The analysis of some of the literary devices used in this poem is given belowPoetic and literary devices are the same, but a few are used only in poetry. Siren Song is a poem that takes a different look at the ancient Greek myth of the sirens, the half bird, half woman creatures who lured passing sailors to their death with an irresistible song.. Margaret Atwood offers an unusual insight into the character of one of these sirens, by giving it the role of speaker in the poem. Why remove the bird suit? “Siren Song” As a Representative of Lust: This poem refers to Greek mythology. There's some self-loathing going on. Skilled poets are capable of making the written word say far more than its own meaning by adapting the poem’s structure, grammar, and theme to be a part of the story as well. Literary devices are tools used by writers to convey their emotions, ideas, and themes to make texts more appealing to the reader. Where's the humanity? The helplessness of men that is. Andrew has a keen interest in all aspects of poetry and writes extensively on the subject. HubPagesCopyright © 2020 HubPages Inc. and respective owners.As a user in the EEA, your approval is needed on a few things.

The first two stanzas seem detached, while in the fourth stanza, there is a shift to first person point of view. Siren Song is inspired by Greek mythology. The "song" in Atwood's poem is really a symbol for the two-dimensional characteristics that are often used to represent women and femininity in literature.

You've been inactive for a while, logging you out in a few seconds...Sirens are masters of deception in the simplest ways possible: song and flattery. It may be readily inferred that “Siren Song” is quite distinct from “Dover Beach” in that the author’s poetic approach deals with the ‘self’ as the poem’s ensuing theme whereas the latter is rather inclined to draw essence from outside of the self – that is, the surroundings from which to figure details in … She says, “You are unique” so that the man feels special. The Siren's not actually bored with her portrayal in literature. The author of the "Siren Song," Margaret Atwood uses syntax, diction, imagery, figurative language, tone, and theme in her to add complexity to the poem.

They jump into the sea once they hear the song, eager to meet with the creatures who perform on the island of certain doom.How ironic it is that the song remains unknown, for those who hear it die, so there's no chance of anyone passing on the lyrics, the melody.Poor men. After the first few lines, Atwood shifts from talking about the Siren Song to the woman calling out for help from people who hear the Siren Song. The diction demonstrates a siren drawing men in. Margaret Atwood has also used some literary devices to make her poem mysterious and interesting.

The magical allure of the feathered women?The reader is encouraged to come a little closer, listen a little harder. She calls her song irresistible. Siren Song is a poem that takes a different look at the ancient Greek myth of the sirens, the half bird, half woman creatures who lured passing sailors to their death with an irresistible song.. Margaret Atwood offers an unusual insight into the character of one of these sirens, by giving it the role of speaker in the poem. The term henpecking also is relevant.The speaker has to squat; she doesn't like this position because it makes her feel out of place, trapped and somewhat defined by what she has to wear and the physical stance she has to maintain.Not only that, she doesn't even enjoy the singing; she's disillusioned with her partners too. They swim towards death, they crash and perish on the rocks, they starve for want of...love? The reader is gradually drawn in, and by the fourth stanza is promised personal knowledge of the siren's secret.This allows for a completely different perspective and introduces a dramatic element, one that heightens the tension between the female and her male victims, between speaker and reader.Although Margaret Atwood is best known for her novel writing, her poetry is held in high esteem by many. It was all a ploy. The poem speaks about the tricks sirens use to manipulate sailors and lure them to death.

More About This Poem Siren Song By Margaret Atwood About this Poet Regarded as one of Canada’s finest living writers, Margaret Atwood is a poet, novelist, story writer, essayist, and environmental activist. At first, she sings that she hates her situation and doesn’t want to kill anyone.