Project Allusion(Final Exam Grade)MythologyMr. RuckerThird Trimester, Senior Year

Assignment BasicsPick a character or story from Greek/Roman mythology that has not been extensively covered in our course.Research the character/story and allusions from various aspects of pop culture etc.Compile a Power Point with information and images to present to the class.Power Point MUST cover specific types of allusions and contain specified explanations.The Power Point and your presentation will count as your final exam grade in this course.Presentations will be given on Monday, June 22 and the scheduled final exam day. Sign up sheets TBA.

Required ContentsTitle slide with an image to introduce your chosen topicAn ending slide listing all sources (information and images) in MLA formatAt least one slide devoted to providing background information as if for an audience unfamiliar with Greek mythologyAt least one specific example of song lyrics that include a meaningful allusion along with a short explanation of what it adds to the songAt least one image (with explanation) from each of the following: Movie PaintingAdvertisement and/or Company Logo Related Word(s)OtherADVANCED work demonstrates in depth understanding through more thorough explanations, more allusions, etc.

THE SIRENSBackground to the MythTheir Origin and CreationPersephone’s companionsDemeter gave them wings to search for Persephone.Gave up and inhabited rocky islandsTheir song (calls for P.) lures in sailors who then end up shipwrecked and eaten.Half-bird/Half-woman OR Half-fish/Half-womanUsually 3 but could be 2-5

Background ContinuedMost famous story: from Homer’s The OdysseyIn this section of The Odyssey, the hero, Odysseus, has been warned about the Sirens’ song. He is determined to hear their voices without falling into their trap, so he has his men tie him to the ship’s mast. The men then fill their ears with wax so they do not hear the alluring, but deadly, music. Odysseus struggles to get free and heed the Sirens’ call, but the ship moves on, and he remains safe, thus making him one of the few men to have heard the song and lived to tell the tale.

Allusions in ArtOdysseus and the Sirens by John William Waterhouse (1891) illustrates the famous scene although he uses the bird woman format and increases the number of sirens to seven. He captures their menacing nature while preserving some sort of apparent innocence. One siren even perches next to an oarsman and sings in his wax-sealed ear.

Allusions in Art ContinuedThis is another Waterhouse painting (1900) depicting a Siren; however, this time the artist has increased the sexuality by making her almost entirely human except for the hint of scales on her lower leg. The apparent tenderness between the two figures contrasts with the sharp rocks in the composition and the viewer’s knowledge of what the shipwrecked man is getting into.

Allusions in Art ContinuedStatue in Warsaw, PolandThis public statue combines strength and mystery by enhancing the physical dominance (even more so given the sword) in her upper body and separating her tail into two leg-like tail fins. However, the idea of alluring song is lost along with all sense of delicacy.

Allusions in MusicHeather Nova’s and Roxy Music’s CD’s SirenBoth covers demonstrate the combination of attraction and danger associated with the Sirens.Lyrics: “There, There” by Radioheadthere's always a sirensinging you to shipwreck.(don't reach out, don't reach out)steer away from these rocks we'd be a walking disaster.(don't reach out, don't reach out)This song is about the hazards and vulnerability involved in relationships, or, more accurately, in following through on attraction. The singer compares acting on attraction to the fatal pursuit of a Siren’s song. He even goes so far as to say attraction is everywhere and is a false impression that should be ignored or disaster will ensue.Others including songs by Erasure, New Order, Nightwish, and Savatage

Allusions in MoviesOh Brother, Where art Thou? By the Coen brothers (2000) is a retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey with Odysseus trasformed into an escaped convict trying to regain his pre-arrest life. Various encounters on the way echo characters and events in the epic poem, including a run in with the Sirens.Sirens by John Duigan (1994) focuses on the powers of temptation and sensuality.

Advertisements and CompaniesThe Sacramento Sirens Starbucks Coffee

Advertisements and Companies ContinuedStarbucks CoffeeAlthough the use of a Siren as a logo for a coffee company may at first seem unrelated, it could be that customers of the global chain are “heeding the call of the Sirens” when they line up for their caffeine.In any case, the logo has an interesting history.

History of the Starbucks Logo

Other AllusionsComics: The Titans, SirynTerry Brooks’ Shannara booksVideo Games: Final Fantasy, Star Control, etc.TV Shows: Red Dwarf, Charmed, Batman

Related WordsSiren (n) 1. stationary warning device: a warning device that produces a loud wailing sound when a current of compressed air or steam is forced through a rotating perforated disk2. portable warning device: an electronic warning device, often mounted or placed on a moving vehicle, that produces a loud wailing soundSiren song or siren call (n)dangerous appeal: an alluring appeal, possessed by something or made by somebody, that has the power to tempt people, though yielding to the temptation may have unfortunate effects

Related Words Continuedsiren (n)offensive term: an offensive term for a woman whose sexual attractiveness is considered dangeroussirenian (n)a herbivorous placental sea mammal that has forelimbs like paddles, no hind limbs, and a broad flat tail siren suit (n)one-piece garment: a long-sleeved one-piece garment that covers the whole body in the manner of coveralls

Works CitedUse MLA format to list all of the sources used to create your Power Point. This includes the sites where you found images!