Odysseus And The Sirens Analysis

Stories of mythology often reveal themes of human life and nature, like in the tale of Odysseus and the Sirens from The Odyssey. In this myth, Odysseus’ ship is sailing through the Sirens, these mythical monsters with the heads of women and the body of birds. Odysseus dares to listen to the Sirens’ alluring song, and he devises a plan so that he might survive it. The reader can learn a lot from this story. Margaret Atwood, an author of many literary works, and John William Waterhouse, a painter, both often use scenes from mythology in their works, including this myth, for an example. Margaret Atwood uses the tale of Odysseus’ encounter with the Sirens in her poem “Siren Song”, while John William Waterhouse depicts it in “Ulysses and the Sirens”. …show more content…
Waterhouse attended the Royal Academy schools throughout his life, exhibiting his work at the Academy every summer from 1874 until his death in 1917 with the exception of 1890 and 1915 (Poe 95). As Peeters said, “He drew all the time and his sketchbooks… prove that he made countless pencil studies for every painting” (Peeters 89), which reflects Waterhouse’s perfectionism and skill. Many influences are evident in Waterhouse’s work. For example, many of his paintings are based on myths and narrative poems (Peeters 89), like “Ulysses and the Sirens”. Similarly, “Waterhouse was enchanted by the beauty of women” (Peeter 89), which is displayed in his art, like in Lady Shallot. Coincidentally, “Waterhouse displayed great skill at depicting water” (Peeters 89). SUMMARY …show more content…
Through depicting this myth, “Ulysses and the Sirens” and “Siren Song” demonstrate the theme that dangerous trickery and challenges face humans in their life’s adventure. Both Atwood and Waterhouse portray this myth to reflect on the dangerous elements of life and nature of mankind, as they have done with other myths in other works as well. Odysseus’ story specifically cautions its readers about tricks and trials they may encounter and be persuaded by. It is remarkable how old myths can reveal themes about human life and nature that can still apply to mankind

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