The different translations of The Oedipus Cycle emphasize and suggest different aspects of the presented scene. There are multiple examples of this in the comparison of The Fitts and Fitzgerald’s Translation and the Luci Berkowitz and Theodore F. Brunner’s Translation. Such as the differences in format, sentence structure, and diction imply different characteristics. Also, similarities in the two translations reinforce the importance of the concepts.
The most noticeable difference in the two translations is the format of writing. The Fitts and Fitzgerald’s Translation was in a formal poem format whereas the Luci Berkowitz and Theodore F. Brunner’s Translation was in a more informal paragraph. The diction of the two paragraphs reflects the formal versus informal aspect as well. For example, in comparing the first lines of both translations, it was noticed that the Fitts and Fitzgerald’s Translation referred to the public as, “generations of the living in the line of Kadmos, nursed at his ancient hearth” (F & F,) while the translators of Luci Berkowitz and Theodore F. Brunner’s Translation referred to the public as simply, “the sons of the ancient house of Cadmus” (LB & TB.) The first translation offered much more information and description of the population of Thebes. Also, the phrase “nursed at his… hearth” requires the reader to be of a higher education because “hearth” is not in the everyday vocabulary of just anyone.
On of the most dominant similarities between the two translations is the Oedipus’s arrogance. The first part of the sentence, if it were viewed separately, sounded like Oedipus genuinely cared for the people when he said, “I choose not to hear it from my messengers, but came myself” (LB & TB.) This quote showed how Oedipus was putting out the effort of coming out to the general public to see how bad things were. He did not wish to just sit back and find out the news through hearsay. He wished to see it for himself. All of his sensitivity was then void with the rest of the sentence when he said, “I have come myself to hear you – I, Oedipus, who bear the famous name” (F & F.) The rest of the sentence gave off the impression that Oedipus was telling his own people that they were lucky that he even came out to see them. A man as important and famous as he should not n...
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...tz and Theodore F. Brunner’s Translation, Oedipus addressed the citizens as, “children, sons of the ancient house of Cadmus” (LB & TB,) and in the Fitts and Fitzgerald’s Translation, Oedipus addressed the populace as, “my children, generations of the living in the line of Kadmos” (F & F.) Although they may not seem to be very different at all, they are in fact extremely different. By addressing the people as “children” versus “my children,” Oedipus switched the relationship from a ruler and the ruled to a father and his children.
To an unaided eye, it may appear as if there is no significant difference between one translation and another, but in reality there are several differences. The same core message is there, but in this case, Oedipus came out to be a much better leader in the Fitts and Fitzgerald’s Translation due to his ability to stay calm in calamitous situations and his strong connection with the people. It must be kept in mind, though, that the similarities are just as important as the differences. With the presence of similarities, the message is amplified greatly, as in the instances of Oedipus’s arrogance and his goal to help.
...Sheppard’s translation of the tragedy. It is clearly visible that the tone used in Fagles’ writing is much more vibrant, and carries a lot more emotion than his counterpart. The usage of dramatic tone paves a pathway to more successful and entertaining storytelling that Sheppard lacks. The choices of words and usage of literary devices also raise Fagle’s effectiveness in explaining Oedipus’ tragedy. Sheppard is also at a disadvantage as he does utilize Old English in his writing, and it is obvious the translation would appeal to a different audience than Fagles’. This disadvantage creates a less dramatic tragedy to a more modern reader as the reader will have to consider what is meant. It still is clear that Fagles wrote a more superior translation in comparison to Sheppard’s translation due to more powerful tone, choice of words, and utilization of literary devices.
Sophocles' Oedipus Tyrannus can be argued that it is related loosely to Rita Dove's The Darker Face of the Earth. This comparative and contrasting characteristics that can be seen within both plays make the reader/audience more aware of imagery, the major characters, plot, attitudes towards women, and themes that are presented from two very different standpoints. The authors Sophocles and Dove both have a specific goal in mind when writing the two plays. In this paper I will take a closer look of the two, comparing and contrasting the plays with the various elements mentioned previously.
Sophocles. Oedipus the King. Trans. Robert Fagles. The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Ed. Maynard Mack et al. 6th ed. Vol. 1. New York: Norton, 1992.
Oedipus becomes a more admirable character by the end of the play then during the prologue of the play. This is because his history is reveled and his fate seems to be less of his fault and more of something that was doomed to happen to him, also by his drive to help the city of Thebes shows that he cares for the city and his ability to accept his fate but to try and help others from suffering.
Dodds, E. R. "On Misunderstanding the Oedipus Rex." Twentieth Century Interpretations of Oedipus Rex: A Collection of Critical Essays.
Oedipus is a ‘good king,’ a father of his people, an honest and great ruler, while at the same time an outstanding intellect. . . . He even shares the thro...
As a young man in Corinth, Oedipus learns from the Oracle at Delphi that he is destined to “kill [his] father, the one who gave [him] life!” (Sophocles). No one informs Oedipus that he is adopted, so he believes that his adoptive father, Polybus, is his biological father. Consequently, he runs away from Corinth in an attempt to beat the prophecy. For years, Oedipus has “given Corinth a wide berth” and Polybus has remained alive (Sophocles). This illusory correlation between Polybus’ survival and Oedipus’ departure causes Oedipus to believe that he has defeated the prophecy. Oedipus ' arrogance swells further when he defeats the Sphinx that terrorizes the city of Thebes. As Oedipus ascends to Thebes’ throne, his hubris escalates. He begins to see himself as more than a mortal. In fact, Oedipus deems himself a god on Earth. When the Chorus prays to the gods to save the city of Thebes, Oedipus responds, “You pray to the gods? Let me grant your prayers” (Sophocles). Oedipus’ arrogance is not challenged by the city of Thebes. On the contrary, Oedipus’ tyrannical rule only illuminates society’s lack of rebellion. The Theban citizens are completely subservient to Oedipus’ will. A priest refers to Oedipus not only as “first of men” but also says that “your country calls you a savior now” (Sophocles). The citizens of Thebes
Prompt: How does Oedipus see himself? How do others perceive him? Explain how the author uses this juxtaposition to communicate theme?
Dodds, E.R. "On Misunderstanding the Oedipus Rex." Twentieth Century Interpretations of Oedipus Rex: A Collection of Critical Essays. Ed. Michael J. O'Brien. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice, 2005. Print.
O’Brien, Micheal. “Introduction.” 20th Centruy Interpretations of Oedipus Rex. Ed. Micheal O'Brien. Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice-Hall, 1968. 8-10. Print.
This essay will illustrate the types of characters depicted in Sophocles’ tragic drama, Oedipus Rex, whether static or dynamic, flat or round, and whether protrayed through the showing or telling technique.
Upon reading the play, there is an apparent class structure found throughout. In Oedipus Tyrannus, two mai...
Dodds, E. R. "On Misunderstanding the Oedipus Rex." Twentieth Century Interpretations of Oedipus Rex: A Collection of Critical Essays. Ed. Michael J. O'Brien.
“The Odyssey” is an epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus and the story of his many travels and adventures. The Odyssey tells the main character’s tale of his journey home to the island of Ithaca after spending ten years fighting in the Trojan War, and his adventures when he returns home and he is reunited with his family and close friends. This literary analysis will examine the story and its characters, relationships, major events, symbols and motifs, and literary devices.
The Importance of the Brief for a Translator under the Framework of the Skopos Theory