Sunday, September 26, 2010

HW # 2 (Oedipus)

" Aieeeeee- man of agony- that is the only name I have for you, that, no other- ever, ever, ever! " - Fagles (ln. 1176)

"Good-bye, my poor deluded, lost and damned! There's nothing else that I can call you now." - Roche (pg. 60)

I think there is a interesting choice of diction for these two translations. Both quotes are drawn from the moment when Jocasta figured out the truth and she is pleading with Oedipus, who is still oblivious, so he can call off his search. In Fagels' translation, she calls him a "man of agony" and then repeats "ever" thrice. This coveys a feeling of intensity in both thought and emotion. While Roche translation also depicts the same feeling, it evidently shows you that Jocasta has finally see Oedipus for who he is. She has recognized his stubborn an delusional ways and she sees that his faith is hopeless. Fagles doesn't show that, and that's why I feel like Roche translation gives more substance to the story.

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