Translators Of Luci Berkowitz And Theodore F example essay topic

The different translations of The Oedipus Cycle emphasize and suggest different aspects of the presented scene. There are multiple examples of this in the comparison of The Fitts and Fitzgerald's Translation and the Luci Berkowitz and Theodore F. Brunner's Translation. Such as the differences in format, sentence structure, and diction imply different characteristics. Also, similarities in the two translations reinforce the importance of the concepts. The most noticeable difference in the two translations is the format of writing.

The Fitts and Fitzgerald's Translation was in a formal poem format whereas the Luci Berkowitz and Theodore F. Brunner's Translation was in a more informal paragraph. The diction of the two paragraphs reflects the formal versus informal aspect as well. For example, in comparing the first lines of both translations, it was noticed that the Fitts and Fitzgerald's Translation referred to the public as, "generations of the living in the line of Kadmos, nursed at his ancient hearth" (F & F, ) while the translators of Luci Berkowitz and Theodore F. Brunner's Translation referred to the public as simply, "the sons of the ancient house of Cadmus" (LB & TB.) The first translation offered much more information and description of the population of Thebes. Also, the phrase "nursed at his... hearth" requires the reader to be of a higher education because "hearth" is not in the everyday vocabulary of just anyone. On of the most dominant similarities between the two translations is the Oedipus's arrogance.

The first part of the sentence, if it were viewed separately, sounded like Oedipus genuinely cared for the people when he said, "I choose not to hear it from my messengers, but came myself" (LB & TB.) This quote showed how Oedipus was putting out the effort of coming out to the general public to see how bad things were. He did not wish to just sit back and find out the news through hearsay. He wished to see it for himself. All of his sensitivity was then void with the rest of the sentence when he said, "I have come myself to hear you - I, Oedipus, who bear the famous name" (F & F.) The rest of the sentence gave off the impression that Oedipus was telling his own people that they were lucky that he even came out to see them.

A man as important and famous as he should not need to do any work for himself or for the people he is responsible for. Later in the passage, there was another similarity between the two translations. It was also somewhat of a redemption for Oedipus's character. There was a strong emphasis at the end of the passages on the necessity to help the people of Thebes. In both passages Oedipus said that he, "will help [them] in every way [he] can" (F & F.) He made a promise to his people that he would help. It is not as if he just said something to a random person that he had no intention of following through with.

He said it directly to those who believed in him. That shows his sincerity. He also reinforced his statement when he said, "I would be cruel did I not greet you with compassion when you are gathered here before me" (LB & TB.) Contrary to Oedipus's previous attitude of being too good to help, not only did he volunteer, but he insisted on his involvement in solving Thebes's problem. Also, since this was his last statement, it was what the public remembered best. Also, there was a second contrast of format between the Fitts and Fitzgerald's Translation and Luci Berkowitz and Theodore F. Brunner's Translation. The difference lied in the amount of questions in the entire passage.

In the Luci Berkowitz and Theodore F. Brunner's Translation, there were nine questions as apposed to the Fitts and Fitzgerald's Translation that only had one question. The use of all the questions portrays a more chaotic environment. In the Luci Berkowitz and Theodore F. Brunner's Translation Oedipus is continually asking questions and leaving sufficient time for a response. For example, Oedipus asked four questions in a row when he asked, "Has something frightened you? What brings you here?

Some need? Some want?" (LB & TB.) All the questions depicted Oedipus as not being calm and composed. Rather he franticly tried to gather information and lost his grip in the meantime. However in the Fitts and Fitzgerald's Translation, Oedipus asked only one question and seemed to be a more capable leader because he was able to control himself. Lastly, Oedipus was shown to have a closer connection with his people through the Fitts and Fitzgerald's Translation.

There were several ways in which this was shown, but the most powerful one was within the first two words of the piece. In the Luci Berkowitz and Theodore F. Brunner's Translation, Oedipus addressed the citizens as, "children, sons of the ancient house of Cadmus" (LB & TB, ) and in the Fitts and Fitzgerald's Translation, Oedipus addressed the populace as, "my children, generations of the living in the line of Kadmos" (F & F.) Although they may not seem to be very different at all, they are in fact extremely different. By addressing the people as "children" versus "my children", Oedipus switched the relationship from a ruler and the ruled to a father and his children. To an unaided eye, it may appear as if there is no significant difference between one translation and another, but in reality there are several differences. The same core message is there, but in this case, Oedipus came out to be a much better leader in the Fitts and Fitzgerald's Translation due to his ability to stay calm in calamitous situations and his strong connection with the people. It must be kept in mind, though, that the similarities are just as important as the differences.

With the presence of similarities, the message is amplified greatly, as in the instances of Oedipus's arrogance and his goal to help..