Ulysses by the
Merlion
The poet Edwin Thumboo adopts the voice of Greek
mythological hero, Ulysses and creates an epic journey like Ulysses.
He compares and parallels the Ulysses with the
Merlion of Singapore. This is a nationalistic poem.
Merlion – Mer means Sea. Merlion is a combination of
Lion head (Singapura - lion city) and fish body (origin of Singapore as fishing
village).
The Merlion like Ulysses had travelled through many
difficulties. But like Ulysses who had faith in his country Ithaca, Merlion too
has faith in Singapore
Here Merlion’s journey is about how it has seen many
people and culture develop in the land of Singapore. Edwin Thumboo praises the
Merlion and says that he didn’t expect such a symbol which will be of high
importance
Many immigrants came and established themselves in
Singapore and they started to build huge buildings like the topless towers of
Ilium/Troy city. Singapore has become an international trade centre.
Some changed their culture and religion. People
married between different religions or nationalities.
But the symbol of unity created by the Merlion was
losing its importance. Now, people were more concerned on commerce and trade
than being a human or Singaporean.
The past life was a heroic life but the present has
become a bored one for the Merlion. This was the same condition with Ulysses
when he returned home. In the past the Merlion saw positive things and
development. Now all he sees is greed of people. Tourists today consider the
Merlion as a tourist symbol and take pictures. But the true representation of
Merlion is that of unity and prosperity.