Many great authors include allusions in their works to strengthen impact. These references to history, mythology, literature, or biblical text contribute to a powerful overall effect of the piece. Margaret Atwood followed this trend with her thought-provoking poem, "Siren Song." Atwood centered her work on an allusion to Greek myths to drive a solid point about the fallibility of men.

In the poem, Atwood references the melody of "sirens," mythological creatures commonly referenced by writers such as Homer, Ovid, Hyginus, Sophocles, Apollonius Rhodius, and Tzetzes. These enthralling women reclined on the rocks off the coast of their three rocky islands, Sirenum scopuli. A great deal of their mystery emerges from their appearance: sailors passing the islands saw not a trio of ladies relaxing in the sun, but a group of striking and dangerous nymphs, half-woman/half-bird or half-woman, half-fish. However, sirens...