"Siren Song" Outline

“Siren Song” Margaret Atwood

Thesis: Atwood uses an allusion to create the entire basis of the poem, revealing the trickery of the women.

A.      The Sirens are Greek mythological characters known for their charming song.

a.       “This is…the song that is irresistible” (1-3). Everyone who hears the song is drawn into the source of the song, the Sirens.

b.      “the song that forces men to leap overboard” (4-5). Ships passing by lose many of their members to their enchanting song.

B.      The allusion to the Sirens reminds the reader that the Sirens are practically inescapable, and the poem shows why that is.

a.       “I don’t enjoy it here squatting on this island” (13-14). The Sirens manipulate the men into feeling bad for the Sirens, so that the men come over.

b.      “it is a boring song but it works every time” (26-27). The poem shows that this is something that the Sirens do this often, knowing that men are able to resist the women’s pleas.

C.      The allusion shows how the women manipulate those that pass by.

a.       “I will tell the secret to you, to you, only to you” (19-20). The Siren draws in the men by appealing to their sense of curiosity.

b.      “This song is a cry for help: Help me!” (21-22). The sirens evoke the valiant side of men, calling for the men to save the Sirens.