Decoding The Homeric Greek of The Iliad with Dr EMILY WILSON

Summary

In this enlightening discussion, Erica from Moan, Inc. interviews Professor Emily Wilson, translator of Homer's 'Iliad'. They delve into the intricacies of translating ancient texts, focusing on Wilson's approach to making the work accessible and engaging for modern readers. Wilson shares her journey from discovering classics as a child to becoming a renowned classicist. She discusses the challenges of capturing the original's rhythm, emotional depth, and cultural context in her translation. The conversation explores the translator's creative process, the importance of language choices, and the impact of pedagogical methods on understanding ancient languages. This video offers valuable insights into the art of translation and the timeless appeal of Homer's epic.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Professor Emily Wilson discusses her translation of Homer's 'Iliad', emphasizing the importance of making it readable, speakable, and contemporary.
• 📜 Wilson's interest in Classics began at a young age with Greek mythology and continued through her education, leading to her career as a classicist and translator.
• 🎭 She highlights the significance of translating not just the words, but the performance and multi-voiced nature of ancient texts, like plays and epic poems.
• 📖 Wilson's translation choices aim to reflect the traditional poetic meter and rhythm of the original Homeric Greek, using iambic pentameter to evoke the experience of the oral tradition.
• 🤔 The translator's process involves deep consideration of language, world-building, and the emotional and sensory experiences conveyed in the text.
• 🔍 Wilson conducted extensive research, including consulting servicemen and women, and observing animal behavior, to accurately depict the world of the 'Iliad'.
• 💬 The interview touches on the challenges of translating ancient Greek, including the differences in vocabulary and the expressive capacity of the English language compared to Homeric Greek.
• 🧐 Wilson shares her approach to handling difficult translation choices, such as the decision to use 'Greeks' instead of 'Achaeans' for clarity and readability.
• 💬 The discussion explores the nuances of translating emotional language, such as the depth of Achilles' grief and love for Patroclus, and the complexities of Homeric relationships.
• 👥 Collaboration with editors and feedback from colleagues and students play a crucial role in refining the translation to resonate with modern readers.
• 📚 Wilson encourages readers to engage with the 'Iliad' directly, suggesting that the narrative is accessible and rewarding, despite its ancient origins.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the interview with Professor Emily Wilson?

The main focus of the interview is to discuss Professor Wilson's translation of Homer's 'Iliad', her translation choices, and the process behind making those choices to create a contemporary and readable version for modern audiences.

How did Professor Wilson's interest in Classics begin?

Professor Wilson's interest in Classics began when she was eight years old, after participating in an adapted 'Odyssey' play at her elementary school where she played Athena, sparking her fascination with Greek mythology and language.

What was the significance of using iambic pentameter in Professor Wilson's translation of the 'Iliad'?

Iambic pentameter was chosen because it is a traditional poetic meter in English that could evoke the traditional rhythm of the original Homeric poems, which were performed out loud and had a musical quality.

Why did Professor Wilson choose to use the term 'Greeks' instead of 'Achaeans' or 'Danaans' in her translation?

Using the term 'Greeks' was intended to avoid confusion and alienation for readers who might not be familiar with the specific distinctions between 'Achaeans' and 'Danaans', providing a more comprehensible and engaging reading experience.

How did Professor Wilson approach the challenge of translating the emotional intensity and physicality found in the 'Iliad'?

Professor Wilson focused on finding English words and phrases that could convey the same emotional impact and vividness as the original Greek, sometimes translating a single Greek word into multiple English words to capture its full meaning.

What was Professor Wilson's strategy for dealing with the difficulties she encountered during the translation process?

Professor Wilson worked through the difficulties by doing multiple drafts, seeking feedback from colleagues, grad students, and her editor, and engaging with the source material until she felt she had captured the essence and clarity of the original text.

How does Professor Wilson view the role of translation in relation to the original text?

Professor Wilson views translation as more than just a reading challenge; it's a writing challenge that requires creating a text with its own identity while maintaining a deep connection to the original. The goal is to provide an equivalent experience for the reader of the translation as one might have reading the original work.

What was the reason behind Professor Wilson's decision to make her translation of the 'Iliad' speakable and contemporary?

Professor Wilson aimed for her translation to be speakable and contemporary to ensure that readers, even if they are not watching a play or listening to an audiobook, can imagine how an actor might perform the characters and engage with the text as it was intended to be experienced in Antiquity.

How did Professor Wilson handle the challenge of translating the first word of the 'Iliad', which has been translated in many different ways by various translators?

Professor Wilson chose the word 'cataclysmic' to convey the sense of divine anger and its large-scale, deadly implications, while also connecting to the natural and divine disasters that occur in the poem.

What does Professor Wilson suggest for readers who might be intimidated by the 'Iliad' or who do not have a background in Classics?

Professor Wilson suggests that readers not be put off by the idea that the 'Iliad' will be too difficult. She recommends reading it out loud, listening to an audiobook version, or joining a book club to make the experience enjoyable and accessible.