Lost in Translation? Not anymore...

By Jessie on November 1, 2009 10:24 PM | | Comments (0)
Oft of one wide expanse had I been told
that deep-brow'd Homer ruled as his demesne,
Yet did I never breathe its pure serene
Till I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold

--"On First Looking into Chapman's Homer" by Keats

I can absolutely identify with what Keats is saying in this poem. I lament that I've never had the opportunity to read the full version of Homer's The Odyssey, but I have read some of the short stories over the years in various English classes. I've always loved Greek mythology, but I've barely brushed the surface. 

Translation is a powerful tool. The language barrier is a tough one to conquer, but translation has given us so much, especially in the form of literature. I'll be the first to say that "Beowulf" was not my favorite poem to read, but at the same time, I can only imagine how awful it would have been if I hadn't read the modern version of the poem, I bet I would've been ever more miserable.

Nevertheless, Keats' poem does more than just remind his readers of the importance of translation. It's a very beautiful piece with so much imagery and metaphors. It's kind of ironic, because he tells his story through metaphors and similes just as Homer told the story of Ulysses. 

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