The reading that stood out to me the most this week was in the “The Penguin Book of Mermaids”. The epic poem about Odysseus is famous for its thrilling account of challenges he overcomes throughout his journey, one of them of course, involving his encounter with the Sirens. I was fascinated by the way the Siren was used as a symbol for pleasure in a non-physical way. As stated in the book, “Homer’s sirens sing a song that promises knowledge- a wisdom that bridges worlds-instead of pleasure” (10). I immediately thought about knowledge as temptation and how this has been used throughout time, somehow it seems it’s always been linked to women (ex: Eve). I began to wonder what this says about how we view the two and why they are always intertwined. I think there’s something really odd about this intellectual temptation narrative because It’s not ever explicitly implying that learning is a bad thing. In the reading they literally say, “learn new wisdom from the wise!” (11) maybe not as a form of manipulating him but as an actual invitation to higher knowledge. Reading it from this lens, curiosity then becomes disguised as something negative. It’s important to note that the reason why this matters is because society has a long history of fearing what the knowledge of knowing can do to power structures as it exposes injustice.
Mermaids: Literature & the Environment
ECL 305. Fall 2025. Professor Pressman
Good first reading response, Janette! You are right to pick out one idea from the reading and explore it and question: ” I immediately thought about knowledge as temptation and how this has been used throughout time, somehow it seems it’s always been linked to women (ex: Eve). I began to wonder what this says about how we view the two and why they are always intertwined.” Let’s go here in class on Thursday, and I hope you will lead our conversation. Nice work!
Hello Janette!
I also discussed the topic of knowledge and the desire for it! The connection you drew with Eve is very interesting, especially the link between women and knowledge. Perhaps this connection suggests that women remain largely unknown to men. I also believe that their resistance to knowledge is a control tactic, aimed at keeping civilization stable. Knowledge fuels curiosity, which in turn prompts questioning authority.
Jannette, I very much enjoyed your response to the tale of Odysseus and the Sirens, especially as I did not choose to write about it myself. It is very interesting how you applied the lens and interpreted the message of the story as being knowledge may be dangerous, especially too much of it. I am intrigued by this insight as I inherently am always wanting to know more about everything and everyone around me. However, after reading your post, I am wondering if knowledge may also harm as well.