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Thesis: The diction is Margaret Atwood’s //Siren Song// demystifies the fabled Sirens, presenting them as victims of a predicament rather than malicious seductresses. In this way, The Sirens are shown to be humanistic and sympathetic figures.

Intro: In mythology, Sirens have traditionally been labeled as evil and seductive, using their beauty and euphonious singing to lure men to their inevitable deaths. In //Siren Song//, Margaret Atwood completely contradicts this trite portrayal, making the unique and cogent case that Sirens could possibly be pawns in a scheme, forced into their situation. Atwood astutely recognizes that the Sirens may actually be more innocent and regretful of their murderous actions than anyone would have ever thought. Depending on the reader's interpretation of Atwood's usage of self-awareness and demystification in //Siren Song//, they may be able to sympathize with the Sirens as well.

Body Paragraph One: The Sirens in this poem give the impression that they are being forced into their current situation. Rather than singing on an island, looking irresistibly beautiful and maliciously plotting the downfall of men, these Sirens are shown to be "squatting on this island." Squatting is not a physically comfortable position and one would seldom associate it with overpowering seduction. Additionally, recall that the Siren bemoans where she is when she claims, "I don't enjoy it here, I don't enjoy singing." So why doesn't she leave? The only possible answer is that she is unable to leave, as she is obligated, by some unseen and unidentified "master", to continue her dreaded work. It is as if she is bound by fate to remain isolated on the island. Towards the end of the song, the Siren begs, "Help me! Only you, only you can". Any audience member who has been forced into a similar situation, especially if they are alone and have no way to get out of it, can sympathize with the Siren's lonely, sad existence and would naturally be inclined to try to assist them in any way they can.

Body Paragraph Two: When reading classic mythology, the feelings, motivations, and back-stories of the Sirens are so obscure and unknown; they are depicted simply as a form of evil and danger at sea. Atwood removes all mystery from these mythological beings, presenting them less as actual mythical creatures and more as humans. She does this by describing them as "wearing bird suits, looking picturesque and mythical." With the concept of wearing bird suits, the implication is that they may just be actual humans dressed up (against their will) to look like hideous beasts. It seems as though the Siren is very aware of her situation and how ridiculous it may sound. She demonstrates this human-like self-awareness several times throughout the song. One example is how she constantly references the song she is singing about, within the song. She is plainly telling the sailors that she is luring them to their deaths, but she does not seem to be doing it purposely. This is more evidence that the Sirens are actually unfortunate souls forced into committing their wicked acts without wanting to.

Conclusion: The Sirens, as presented in Atwood's poem, are victims of an insidious plot to lure men to their deaths. Their job is to look "picturesque and mythical" and sing, even though the lyrics of their song reveal that they woefully regret their jobs. Their tone and references indicate that they have been forced into this horrible fate of killing sailors. It is possible that they were once human, and this demonstrated by the demystifying descriptions and self-awareness in //Siren Song//. Whether the audience believes that there is more to the Sirens than simple evil or are using this song as a trick is up to individual interpretation.