'Odyssey' translator Emily Wilson on her book of essays 'Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea'
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, Joel Rose speaks with Emily Wilson about her work translating classical Greek and Roman texts for contemporary readers. Wilson discusses her translation philosophy, explaining when retranslations are justified and how they reveal new dimensions of ancient works. She addresses the creative challenges of rendering Greek idioms and superlatives into English while preserving the oral, performative nature of epic poetry.
The conversation covers how the literary canon shifts over time to reflect changing cultural values, and explores the modern relevance of classical works through adaptations like Christopher Nolan's recent film version of "The Odyssey." Wilson emphasizes the emotional power and psychological depth embedded in Homer's poetry, describing how her translation approach and expressive performance style aim to help modern audiences experience the theatrical force that characterized these works in their original context.
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1-Page Summary
Translation Philosophy and the Value of Retranslation
In this episode, Joel Rose speaks with Emily Wilson about translating classical Greek and Roman texts for modern audiences. Wilson emphasizes that retranslations are only justified when they offer genuinely distinct perspectives from existing versions. She explains that studying differences between translations illuminates new dimensions of the original texts, even for readers who don't know Greek or Latin.
Wilson discusses the creative challenges of translating ancient Greek idioms into English. Greek superlatives, for instance, are compact single words, while English requires multiple strategies to convey similar impact. She describes weighing terms like "dread," "horror," or "violence" to capture the emotional and semantic weight of Greek originals. Wilson also notes that epic poems originated from oral tradition, requiring translators to preserve their dynamic, performative nature—acting as custodians of theatrical authenticity by conveying the intense emotions and shifting perspectives that characterized original performances.
Literary Canon as Fluid and Context-Dependent
Wilson explores how the literary canon constantly shifts to reflect changing cultural values. She points out that works once considered essential, like those of Plautus and Terence in Shakespeare's time, can fade from curricula, while other texts gain prominence. Wilson cautions against viewing either the past or present as monolithic, arguing that both are characterized by diversity and ongoing change. The canon is continuously reshaped by current concerns, making the relationship between past and present dynamic rather than static.
Modern Relevance Through Adaptation
Rose examines how Christopher Nolan's blockbuster film adaptation of "The Odyssey" demonstrates ancient stories' enduring appeal. The movie's box office success has revived interest in the epic and sparked debates about adaptation fidelity. Wilson, positioned at the center of these conversations, has expressed skepticism about Nolan's interpretation, fueling discussions about how classical literature should be understood and reimagined. She acknowledges that even "click-baity silliness" in online discourse can direct attention back to source material, amplifying interest in the classical canon.
Emotional Power in Classical Poetry
Wilson's translation approach foregrounds the psychological depth and emotional intensity of Homer's epics. She describes passages like Odysseus melting into tears, compared through extended simile to a widow's grief, demonstrating how calibrated language captures raw emotional texture. Rose observes that Wilson's animated, expressive performance style contrasts sharply with flat modern poetry readings. Wilson explains that classical poetry was meant to evoke powerful emotions and offer vivid perspectives, and her dynamic delivery aims to restore the theatrical dimension that helps contemporary audiences experience the living emotional force of ancient poetry.
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Counterarguments
- The insistence that retranslations are only justified when they offer genuinely distinct perspectives may undervalue incremental improvements in accuracy, clarity, or accessibility that can benefit readers even if the overall perspective is similar.
- Comparing translations can reveal new dimensions, but it may also introduce confusion or mislead readers if differences stem from translators' biases or errors rather than genuine ambiguities in the original text.
- The focus on creative strategies for translating idioms and superlatives could risk over-interpretation or imposition of modern sensibilities onto ancient texts, potentially distorting original meanings.
- Emphasizing the translator's role as a custodian of theatrical authenticity may not align with all scholarly or reader preferences; some may prioritize literal accuracy or linguistic fidelity over performative qualities.
- The idea that the literary canon is always fluid and context-dependent may be challenged by those who argue for the enduring value of certain works based on their intrinsic literary or philosophical merit, regardless of shifting cultural values.
- While modern adaptations can revive interest in classical works, they may also overshadow or misrepresent the originals, leading to misunderstandings about the source material.
- The claim that dynamic, expressive performance is necessary to restore the emotional power of classical poetry may not resonate with all audiences; some may prefer more restrained or contemplative readings.
- The assertion that classical poetry was always intended to evoke powerful emotions and vivid perspectives may overlook the diversity of ancient performance contexts and audience expectations.
Actionables
- you can read two different English translations of a short ancient text side by side and jot down how each version changes your emotional response or understanding, then share your notes with a friend who hasn’t read the original to see which translation resonates more and why
- (for example, compare how each translation handles a moment of grief or triumph, and notice which words or phrases feel more powerful or relatable to you and your friend)
- a practical way to experience the performative nature of epic poetry is to read a dramatic passage aloud using different tones, speeds, and gestures, then record yourself and listen back to notice which style best brings out the emotions and shifts in perspective
- (for example, try reading a battle scene first as a calm narrator, then as an excited storyteller, and see which approach makes the story feel more alive)
- you can track which classic works you see referenced in movies, TV, or online discussions over a month, then reflect on which stories keep resurfacing and how their meanings seem to shift in each new context
- (for example, keep a simple list on your phone of every time you notice a myth or epic mentioned, and note whether it’s used to inspire, criticize, or reinterpret something modern)
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Translation Philosophy: Retranslation Value and Classical Text Challenges in Modern English
Justifying Retranslation Requires Novel Approaches Over Reiterating Established Interpretations
Emily Wilson emphasizes that with the abundance of available translations of canonical Greek and Roman texts, producing a retranslation is only justified if it offers a truly distinct perspective. She asserts, as quoted by Joel Rose, "'It is a waste of everyone's time if a retranslation takes more or less the same approach as one or more existing published translations.'" Wilson notes that Greek and Roman works are retranslated far more frequently than other ancient literatures, often resulting in multiple vastly different versions. The value of these retranslations, Wilson explains, lies in the differences between them, which, even for those unable to read the original language, can illuminate new dimensions of meaning and interpretation within the ancient texts.
Essential: New Translations of Greek and Roman Texts Should Offer Distinct Perspectives
Wilson firmly believes that the justification for retranslation comes when the translator brings a fresh approach to the text, rather than reiterating what is already established by other translators. Only translations that make a new interpretive or stylistic choice truly add value to the corpus of available works.
Translation Differences Illuminate Original Text Dimensions
She points out that studying the variations among different translations reveals nuances in the original, offering readers fresh insights even if they do not know Greek or Latin. Each new translation, by highlighting or focusing on different aspects, provides a richer collective understanding of the classical text.
Rendering Ancient Greek Idioms Into English: Creative Challenges
Wilson delves into the specific creative obstacles translators face when moving from ancient Greek to modern English, particularly regarding idiomatic expressions and intensified descriptions.
Greek Superlatives Use Single Words; English Needs Multiple Strategies
She gives the example of a superlative in Greek used at the end of a description of Odysseus’s ultimate war achievement: the original Greek says he dared "tolme santa einotaton polemon," referring to "the most terrible kind of war." In ancient Greek, such superlatives are often simple, compact single words. English, however, lacks such elasticity, requiring translators to use different strategies—sometimes more verbose or indirect—to communicate similar maximal impact.
Translators Must Choose Between English Terms Like "Dread," "Horror," or "Violence" to Convey the Greek Original's Emotional and Semantic Weight
Wilson describes her thought process, weighing terms like "dread," "horror," or even the phrase "most maximally violent kin ...
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Translation Philosophy: Retranslation Value and Classical Text Challenges in Modern English
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Clarifications
- Retranslation occurs because languages and cultures change over time, affecting how texts are understood and expressed. Different translators bring unique interpretations, styles, and priorities, which can highlight new meanings or aspects of the original work. Some translations aim to be more literal, while others focus on capturing tone, emotion, or readability. Multiple translations enrich readers' understanding by offering diverse perspectives on the same text.
- Canonical Greek and Roman texts are foundational works that have shaped Western literature, philosophy, and culture for centuries. They include epic poems, dramas, histories, and philosophical treatises by authors like Homer, Sophocles, Virgil, and Cicero. These texts introduce key themes, narrative structures, and ideas that influence countless later works. Their study helps us understand the origins of many modern literary and intellectual traditions.
- In ancient Greek, superlatives are special word forms that express the highest degree of a quality, like "greatest" or "most terrible." They are often formed by adding specific endings to adjectives, making them compact and precise. These single-word superlatives convey strong emphasis efficiently, unlike English, which usually requires multiple words. Understanding Greek superlatives is crucial for capturing the intensity and nuance of the original text.
- Ancient Greek is a highly inflected language with a rich system of morphology that allows it to form superlatives by modifying a single word through specific endings. This compactness lets Greek express intense degrees of quality in one concise term. English, being less inflected and more analytic, relies on additional words or phrases to convey the same intensity. Therefore, English translations often require longer or more complex expressions to capture the full force of Greek superlatives.
- The phrase "tolme santa einotaton polemon" is an example of a Greek superlative phrase combining words that intensify the meaning of "war." Ancient Greek often uses compact, layered words to express extreme qualities. Translators must unpack these layers into English, which lacks equivalent single words, making the process complex. This requires balancing literal meaning with emotional and cultural resonance.
- Theatrical authenticity in epic poetry means capturing the original performance style and emotional intensity of the oral storytelling tradition. These poems were meant to be heard, not just read, often performed aloud with dramatic expression. Translators aim to recreate this lively, dynamic experience for modern audiences. This approach helps preserve the poems' original impact beyond literal word-for-word translation.
- Epic poetry originated as oral storytelling performed by bards before formal theatre existed. These poems were recited aloud, often with musical accompaniment, to engage live audiences. Formal theatre developed later, introducing scripted plays with actors and staged performances. Thus, epic ...
Counterarguments
- The insistence that only "truly distinct" retranslations are justified may undervalue the importance of accessibility, clarity, or pedagogical needs, which can warrant new translations even if their approach is not radically different.
- Repetition of existing approaches in translation can still be valuable for updating language, correcting errors, or reflecting evolving scholarship and cultural contexts.
- The frequency of Greek and Roman retranslations may reflect ongoing scholarly interest and the centrality of these texts in Western education, rather than an inherent problem or redundancy.
- Differences among translations can sometimes confuse or overwhelm readers, especially those unfamiliar with the original language, rather than always illuminating new dimensions.
- Not all readers or educators seek novel interpretive or stylistic choices; some may prefer reliable, traditional translations for consistency or comparative study.
- The challenge of rendering Greek idioms and superlatives into English is not unique to Greek; similar issues arise in tran ...
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Literary Canon Shifts: Classical Works' Relevance or Obsolescence in Historical and Cultural Contexts
Emily Wilson explores the idea that the literary canon is never truly fixed. Instead, it reflects shifting cultural values, interests, and interpretations throughout history.
The Idea of a Stable Literary Canon Is Misleading Due To Shifting Values Over Time
Wilson emphasizes that canons are always in flux. She explains that people often imagine that certain works, like Homer, have always been centrally important, but this perception is shaped by present-day values. She illustrates this by noting that writers during Shakespeare’s era would have been shocked to learn that Plautus and Terence, once foundational to a standard education, might one day be left out of the curriculum. This example demonstrates that what is considered essential reading can change dramatically over the centuries.
Wilson further describes a cycle in which literary and cultural works gain and lose prominence. Some works or figures become newly resonant as societies change, while others fade into obscurity, only to be rediscovered and re-evaluated later. The rise and fall of certain texts within the canon reveal that cultural significance is not permanent, but subject to continuous negotiation and reassessment according to contemporary needs.
The Past Reshapes With Current Concerns, Values, and Interpretations
Wilson cautions against broad generalizations—such as pre ...
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Literary Canon Shifts: Classical Works' Relevance or Obsolescence in Historical and Cultural Contexts
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The literary canon is a collection of works considered important and influential in literature. It shapes what is taught in schools and what is studied as culturally significant. The canon often reflects the values and power structures of the society that selects it. Debates about the canon involve which voices and perspectives are included or excluded.
- Emily Wilson is a renowned classicist and translator known for her work on ancient Greek literature, especially her acclaimed translation of Homer's Odyssey. Her perspective matters because she brings expert knowledge of classical texts and their historical contexts, highlighting how interpretations evolve over time. Wilson's scholarship challenges fixed views of the literary canon by showing how cultural values influence which works are valued. This makes her insights important for understanding the fluid nature of literary significance.
- Homer is an ancient Greek poet traditionally credited with composing the epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey, foundational texts of Western literature. Plautus and Terence were Roman playwrights known for their comedies, which influenced later European drama and education. Their works were central to classical education in the Renaissance and early modern periods. Over time, changing educational priorities and cultural tastes have altered their prominence in literary study.
- Educational curricula evolve as societies prioritize different knowledge and skills over time. In ancient and medieval periods, classical authors like Plautus and Terence were central because Latin and Greek literature were key to education. Later, shifts in political, cultural, and intellectual trends led to new authors and subjects gaining prominence. This ongoing change reflects broader societal transformations and changing educational goals.
- "Cultural values" are the shared beliefs, norms, and priorities of a society at a given time. They shape what themes, characters, and ideas people find important or meaningful in literature. As these values change, so do the types of stories and messages that resonate with readers. This causes certain works to gain or lose relevance in the literary canon.
- Works gain or lose prominence through changing social, political, and cultural priorities that influence what people value or find relevant. Educational institutions, critics, and media play key roles in promoting or sidelining certain texts. Historical events and new scholarly discoveries can revive interest in previously overlooked works. Public tastes and ideological shifts also affect which works are celebrated or forgotten.
- "Re-evaluation" means scholars and readers revisit a work to judge its meaning or ...
Counterarguments
- While the canon does shift over time, certain works (such as Homer or Shakespeare) have demonstrated remarkable longevity and cross-cultural influence, suggesting that some texts possess enduring qualities that transcend specific historical or cultural contexts.
- The idea that the canon is entirely shaped by present-day values may understate the role of intrinsic literary merit, aesthetic achievement, or technical innovation in the continued relevance of some works.
- The process of canon formation is not solely a reflection of shifting values but can also involve scholarly consensus, historical continuity, and the influence of educational institutions, which can provide stability over long periods.
- The argument that cultural significance is always negotiated may overlook the ways in w ...
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Classical Literature's Cultural Role: Ancient Texts’ Modern Relevance and Adaptations
Joel Rose explores how ancient Greek epic poetry, particularly Homer's "The Odyssey," maintains cultural relevance in modern times through high-profile adaptations and contemporary discourse.
Film Adaptations of Classics Generate Interest in Ancient Texts and Spark Discourse on Fidelity and Artistic Choices
Successful Box Office Films Revive Ancient Tales, Inspiring Engagement With Original Literature
Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film adaptation of "The Odyssey" demonstrates the enduring allure of ancient stories. The movie’s massive box office success, racking up more than half a billion dollars domestically, revives the epic for a new generation and point of entry into classic literature.
Adaptation Responses Influence Cultural Debates on Classical Works' Understanding and Reinterpretation Integrity
Beyond the film's commercial success, the adaptation has sparked vibrant discussion about how faithfully modern films should adhere to original ancient texts. Emily Wilson, a renowned classicist and widely read translator of "The Odyssey" and the "Iliad," finds herself at the center of this conversation. Wilson, unafraid to express her skepticism about Nolan’s film, has started discussions about the film’s interpretation and the fidelity required in adapting ancient works. Her public stance fuels debates in both scholarly and popular circles over how classical literature should be understood and reimagined for new audiences.
Connecting Modern Audiences To Ancient Literature Through Classical Adaptations
Clickbait Talks on Classic Films Boost Interest in Ancient Poetry and Historical Works
Wilson acknowledges the paradox of modern media: while much of the online discussion is what she calls "c ...
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Classical Literature's Cultural Role: Ancient Texts’ Modern Relevance and Adaptations
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Counterarguments
- The commercial success of film adaptations does not necessarily translate into meaningful engagement with the original ancient texts; many viewers may never seek out or read the source material.
- Adaptations often significantly alter or simplify complex themes and narratives from the originals, potentially misrepresenting or diluting the depth of ancient literature.
- The focus on blockbuster adaptations may overshadow less popular but equally important classical works, narrowing the public’s exposure to the broader classical canon.
- Debates about fidelity and artistic choices in adaptations can sometimes become insular or academic, failing to resonate with or impact the general public.
- The celebrity status of scholars and the popularity of adaptation debates may reflect media trends rather than genuine renew ...
Actionables
- you can create a personal “adaptation diary” by jotting down your reactions and creative reinterpretations after watching or reading any adaptation of a classical story, then compare your ideas with the original text to deepen your engagement and spark your own discussions about artistic choices.
- a practical way to connect with ancient stories is to set a weekly challenge where you find and share a modern meme, news headline, or pop culture reference that echoes a theme or character from classical literature, helping you spot the ongoing influence of these tales in everyday life.
- you can invite fr ...
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Performative and Emotional Dimensions of Classical Poetry: Capturing Theatrical Intensity in Homer's Epics
Emotional Intensity in Classical Epics: Translating Human Suffering and Loss
Emily Wilson’s translation of Homer’s epics foregrounds the psychological depth and emotional intensity central to the original poetry. In her reading, she describes Odysseus melting into tears, his cheeks wet with weeping. Homer employs an extended simile, comparing Odysseus’s grief to that of a widow who falls to wrap her arms around her husband, slain while defending his home and children. The widow is forced to witness him gasp his last breaths before being dragged off to slavery, her face marked with unspeakable despair. This vivid depiction demands translators use calibrated, resonant language to convey the raw emotional texture of the scene. If these passages are rendered flatly or with mere literalness, the violent, sorrowful, and intimate poetic details lose their power and fail to move contemporary readers as Homer intended.
Expressive Performance in Classical Poetry Readings Reflects Original Experience
Joel Rose observes that many modern poetry readings adopt a flat, dry delivery, which stands in stark contrast to Wilson’s animated and expressive performance. Wilson explains that classical poetry like Homer’s was always meant to evoke p ...
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Performative and Emotional Dimensions of Classical Poetry: Capturing Theatrical Intensity in Homer's Epics
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Counterarguments
- Some scholars argue that a more literal translation preserves the linguistic and cultural integrity of the original text, allowing readers to engage directly with Homer’s language and style rather than the translator’s interpretation.
- The emotional impact of poetry can be subjective; some readers may find subtle or restrained translations and performances more moving or authentic than overtly expressive ones.
- The tradition of oral performance in ancient Greece included a range of delivery styles, and it is not certain that all performances were highly theatrical or emotionally demonstrative.
- Scholarly detachment and analytical readings can offer valuable insights into the structure, themes, and historical context of Homer’s works, enriching rather than diminishing the reader’s experienc ...
Actionables
- you can read a short passage from any emotionally charged story or poem aloud, experimenting with different tones, speeds, and volumes to match the mood of the text, then record and listen back to notice how your delivery changes the emotional impact—try reading a sorrowful scene slowly and softly, then with urgency and intensity, to feel the difference.
- a practical way to deepen your appreciation for emotional nuance in literature is to keep a journal where you jot down the feelings and images that come up as you read, then rewrite a few lines in your own words using vivid, sensory language that captures those emotions—focus on making the scene feel as real and immedia ...
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1-Page Summary- Translation Philosophy: Retranslation Value and Classical Text Challenges in Modern English
- Literary Canon Shifts: Classical Works' Relevance or Obsolescence in Historical and Cultural Contexts
- Classical Literature's Cultural Role: Ancient Texts’ Modern Relevance and Adaptations
- Performative and Emotional Dimensions of Classical Poetry: Capturing Theatrical Intensity in Homer's Epics
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