Extension English – O Brother Where Art Thou

Washing Women/Siren Scene

Direct link to the Odyssey
The washing women/siren scene displays various conceptual and character links to the Odyssey. This includes the concept of infidelity and deception, as well as characters such as Calypso, Circe, the sirens, the crew and Odysseus himself.
As Everett is in search of his wife, before she is wedded to a suitor, like in the Odyssey; but the concept of be loyal, in regards to the sirens in this scene, does not seem to be a present issue, also in the Odyssey. The concept of infidelity is addressed in the Odyssey, as that which only concerns women, which is also a constant concept, as Everett

Role in the Appropriation Storyline

Techniques used
The techniques that are used in this scene are specifically used to emphasise the links between the appropriation storyline and Homer’s Odyssey, as well as to develop the main concepts addressed in the movie, O Brother Where Art Thou, itself. Certain techniques that have been used for these purposes include, colour association, positioning and framing, also music, sound and song, in addition to allusion and symbolism.
The main colours that are emphasised in this scene are in the surroundings. The autumn trees are dominant, as they are bright oranges, reds and yellows. These colours are associated with the idea of warmth and security. This is able to associate this idea as a contrast, and accentuate the false sense of security that sirens are able to lull men into.
Through the positioning and framing of characters, there is able to be focus and centre to the scene. An example of this is the opening point-of-view high angled shot, which centres and focuses on the sirens and are framed by the trees. This shot displays the isolation of the women, connecting this with the concept and desolation of sirens and the Odyssey.
Music, both song and background noises, play a major role in this scene. The lyrics that the sirens sing are important in the appropriation of the...