EL336: Homer informal Reflection

Chris and I agreed on the translations of Homer's Iliad. We both felt that Lattimore's translation stuck very closely to Homer's traditional language. Fagles' translation was more modernized and easily understood.

I commented on Chris' entry that Lattimore probably had the same intent as Homer- that the epic poem would be listened to more as a story rather than a short read as we know poems to be. Granted, Iliad is an extended poem to begin with, but the word choice makes the poem even more elongated.

I agree with the comment Daniella left on Chris' entry as well. Fagles was clearly trying to modernize Iliad with his translation. There is a lot more action as Chris points out, and I agree that Fagles' translation is more upbeat. In my comment I likened this to a stage performance, it's a very theatrical translation.

Needless to say I prefere Fagles' translation. For one, I can actually comprehend the translation, and secondly, the colorful diction in combination with its rhythmic qualities make for a more exciting read, or listen, whichever time period you're from. :)