Throughout modern history, the ancient Greeks and their stories have influenced our culture and way of life. Many ancient Greek myths are myths of prudence that teach us moral lessons. For example, the myth of Odysseus and the Sirens, told by Homer in The Odyssey, teaches us to resist the urge to indulge in temptations. Odysseus and his crew are traveling near the island of the sirens when Odysseus plugs his crewmates' ears with beeswax and asks them to tie him to the mast so he can listen to the song of the sirens and not be crushed their ship on the rocks as they pass the island. Odysseus and his crew safely cross the island of the Sirens without causing any casualties and continue their journey home. Author Margaret Atwood and artist John William Waterhouse both present their brilliant ideas about the myth of Odysseus and the Sirens using poetry and painting. John William Waterhouse's Ulysses and the Sirens and Margaret Atwood's "Siren Song" both use the myth of mermaids to show that during their lives, people often face bad temptations that can lead to their demise and do not should not pay attention to it. Margaret Atwood wrote and published "Siren Song" in 1974. The poem vividly describes a mermaid singing a song about a different song, irresistible to men. The mermaid who narrates the poem cleverly pretends to sing a harmless song which is in fact the irresistible song she is singing (Nada). The mermaid wants to lure the reader closer to her and feigns helplessness and distress in order to lure the reader to her island. The mermaid also compliments the reader in order to compel him to come closer. Despite the mermaid's clearly dark intentions, the poem has a somewhat lighter undertone, creating...... middle of paper ...... the actor in "Siren Song" ultimately falls prey to the narrator of the mermaid. Despite the many changes in the culture of the Western world, the morals and ideals of ancient Greek poets and writers remain as prevalent today as before. The influence and prestige of the ancient Greek world still endures, even in this rapidly changing modern world, and will continue to do so. Works Cited “AP Lit”. : “Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood with Analysis. Np, and Web. February 13, 2014. “Biography of John William Waterhouse.” Artble: the home of passionate art lovers. Np, and Web. February 12, 2014. “Ulysses and the Sirens by John William Waterhouse.” Ulysses and the Sirens by John William Waterhouse. Np, and Web. February 14, 2014. “JW Waterhouse.” Ulysses and the Sirens. Np, and Web. February 11, 2014. “Margaret Atwood. » Marguerite Atwood. Np, and Web. February 12. 2014.