How does the siren portray herself in stanzas four and five? Quote and explain some important phrases. Discuss the connotations of the words that Atwood has chosen here. How does she portray the other sirens? Quote and explain some important phrases. Discuss the connotations of the words that Atwood has chosen here.

What promise does the speaker make to the reader in the seventh stanza?

What does she say about how the Sirens lure men to their deaths? What is the secret of their deadly song?

How does Atwood turn the predator-prey theme on its head by the end of the poem?

Why is the following line particularly seductive? This song/Is a cry for help: Help me!/Only you, only you can,/you are unique.

How does the direct address in the second person (when the speaker says “you”) affect a reader of this poem?