- This poem is about the mythical creature called the siren. Sirens are known for being beautiful women/bird creatures that sing an irresistible song. They are located on islands surrounded by rocks, etc. Seamen would hear the song and be pulled to the sirens because of the beauty of the women their voice and jump ship to come find the siren. No one could ever reach the sirens, and usually men that went to seek them ended up dying. The poem, "Siren Song," is spoken by a siren. She seems to not enjoy being on the island and singing to lure men to their deaths. The poem is tricky because as you read it, you think that the siren really does not enjoy being on the island and singing, but in the end she is really just luring another man to his death by tricking him into thinking he is special and different. This poem shows that sirens are not to be trusted.
Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
- Ulysses was a war hero of Greek mythology. He battled in the Trojan war and was the ultimate hero. In going to war, he had to leave his wife and son, but safely returned to them afterwards. Ulysses is the same as Odysseus, the character in the Iliad and the Odyssey. The poem begins with Ulysses's return to home. He is reminiscing on times of war and saying that some were bad and some were good. He then speaks of his son, who he seems to be proud of. The interesting thing to me is that he never mentions his wife. This poem is hard to read and understand.
Leda and the Swan by William Butler Yeats
- In Greek mythology, "Leda and the Swan" refers to when Zeus came to Leda as a swan. Zeus rapes her the same night that Leda slept with her husband, so Leda has children from 2 different fathers in the forms of eggs. (Some versions may differ.) This scene is widely used in art throughout history as statues or paintings depicting a naked woman and a swan. The poem by Yeats has sexual tones to it, and after reading the background of what Leda and the swan means, I know that the poem depicts a rape. "A sudden blow: the great wings beating still" is the first line and right when I read it I knew what it really meant. The poem has interesting diction and sometimes it seems very harsh, like the first line, but other times more gentle wording is used. I like this poem because I feel that it captures what the situation really would be like, with conflicting feelings of passion, anger, etc.
4 comments:
What I got from the story was that Ulysses wanted to go out on another adventure and was growing restless from growing old.
I agree with what you said about the sirens luring the men to the island, making them think they are special. They couldn't leave the island/sea even if they wanted to, so they continued to lead the men to their deaths.
I agree with your interpretation of Leda and the Swan. You really made some interesting points. The part about Leda having children in the form of eggs was somthing I have never heard of.
Its interesting how you choose to comment on how the lines in Leda and the Swan show how there were different emotions wrapped up in the rape act. There was desire which created anger and tenderness. Good point.
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