The Sirens Standards-based Questions

1. How does the conflict in the passage enhance the style? (R.1.1)

• 1. The author uses diction such as ““While yet I speak the winged galley flies,” which adds to the lyrical style.

• 1. The author uses diction such as “celestial music warbles from their tongue” which adds to the romantic style.

• 1. The author uses diction such as “My soul takes wing to meet the heavenly strain;” which adds to the grand style.

• 1. The author uses diction such as “O friends, oh ever partners of my woes,” which adds to the conversational style.

Look at the illustration. Which statement best describes how Ulysses is represented in both the play and the illustration? (R.3.3)

• 1. Ulysses protects his sailors from the Sirens

• 1. Ulysses is arrogant and confronts the Sirens.

• 1. Ulysses is cautiously curious about the Sirens.

• 1. Ulysses gives into the temptation from the Sirens.

1. Read the following section from the poem.

“‘In flowery meads the sportive Sirens play,

Touch the soft lyre, and tine the vocal lay;

Me, me alone, with fetters firmly bound,

The gods allow to hear the dangerous sound.

Hear and obey; if freedom I demand,

Be every fetter strain’d, be added band to band.’”

Which of these events best describes how the sentences from The Sirens are expressed in the illustration? (R.3.3)

• 1. The men are ignoring Ulysses’ cries to be free

• 1. The Sirens are depicted as bird-like creatures who sing.

• 1. The men are allowing the Sirens to alter their course.

• 1. The Sirens are surrounding Ulysses while he is tied to the mast.

How does the plot add to the layers of meaning? (R.1.1)

• 1. It adds to the literal layer by giving background to what the Sirens want from Ulysses.

• 1. It adds to the tense mood by describing the steps the men take while approaching the Siren shores.

• 1. It adds to the author’s purpose by highlighting the reason why Ulysses wants to hear the Siren song.

• 1. It adds to the tone by using statements such as “struggle to be free” that cause tension between the sailors and Ulysses.

1. Read the following section from the poem.

“While yet I speak the winged galley flies,

And lo! the Siren shores like mists arise.

Sunk were at once the winds; the air above,

And waves below, at once forgot to move;

Some demon calm’d the air and smooth’d the deep,

Hush’d the loud winds, and charm’d the waves to sleep.”

How does the author’s use of simile contribute to the mood? (R.3.1)

• 1. The comparison of the shores and mist creates a foreboding mood.

• 1. The comparison between the ship sailing and flying creates a fearless mood.

• 1. The comparison between the calm waters and sleep creates a relaxing mood.

• 1. The comparison between the Sirens and demons creates a threatening mood.

1. Read the etymology of the word deluders.

Delude (Verb)

from Latin deludere "to play false; to mock

from de- "down, to one's detriment"

Based on the etymology, what is the meaning of Deluder as used in line 32 of the poem? (V.1.2)

• 1. Jokester 

• 1. Deceiver

• 1. Musician 

• 1. Motivator

1. Read the following section from the poem.

“‘O friends, oh ever partners of my woes,

Attend while I what Heaven foredooms disclose.

Hear all! Fate hangs o’er all; on you it lies

To live or perish! to be safe, be wise!

How does Ulysses’ perspective affect the tone of the text? (R.1.1)

• 1. The focus on Ulysses’ leadership skills creates a confident tone.

• 1. The focus on the inevitable downfall of the sailors creates a regretful tone. 

• 1. The focus on the information Ulysses was given creates a cautionary tone.

• 1. The focus on the chaos the Gods have cursed them with creates an angry tone.

How is the characteristic of epic poetry involving the hero being a great leader represented in the poem? (R.1.4)

• 1. Ulysses sacrifices himself to save his men from the Sirens.

• 1. Ulysses allows his men to share their opinions about his plans.

• 1. Ulysses does not expect his men to follow him blindly into conflict.

• 1. Ulysses takes the necessary steps to protect his men from incoming danger.

Greek culture places great emphasis on loyalty. How do the sailors embody this cultural value? (R.1.4)

• 1. The sailors follow Ulysses’ directions and protect him from the Sirens.

• 1. The sailors listen to the Gods warnings and survive the Siren encounter.

• 1. The sailors confront the Sirens so that Ulysses does not become tempted.

• 1. The sailors refuse to listen to the Siren song to avoid becoming more wise than Ulysses.

1. Read the sentence from the poem.

“Then every ear I barr’d against the strain,

And from access of frenzy lock’d the brain.”

What is the meaning of frenzy as it is used in the passage? (V.1.3)

• 1. Wisdom

• 1. Madness

• 1. Happiness

• 1. Frustration