Poem Paraphrase

I chose to paraphrase the poem "Siren Song" by Margaret Atwood on page 755-56 in our textbook.

The song is described as irresistable and the author believes that everyone wants to learn this song. This song has the power to lure men into even the most dangerous and life threatening of situations. This song evidently is unknown to everyone because of everyone that has heard it, they are either dead or can't remember the song. The author suggests that she will reveal the secret of the song if the reader will get her "out of this bird suit" (later explained that sirens were half women, half bird nymphs). The author expresses a distaste for being beautiful and mythical and would like to leave the island that she is trapped on with two others. She also expresses a lack of satisfaction with the song and her duty to sing it. The author again says that she will reveal the secret only to the reader as long as they come closer. She says that the song is a cry for help and that only the reader can help her. She closes by saying that though the song is boring, it works every time.

Literally, the poem is supposed to be written by the siren herself as she is singing another man to his death. She seductively makes the song seem appealing and portrays herself as needing to be rescued or saved from her duties on the island. She lures the men in by saying that she will tell the secret to just him if he comes just a bit closer--clearly this is where all of the men go wrong in believing that the secret is just for him and that she has good intentions. She is alluring and mysterious and overwhelmingly persuasive and leads men to their deaths with her song.

Just as a note, this poem was really entertaining to read and I thought was quite humerous as well. My favorite quote is at the end of the poem where Atwood writes "Alas it is a boring song but it works every time" (756).