Oedipus King of Thebes Translated into English Rhyming Verse with Explanatory Notes By: Unknown (495? BC - 406 BC)
In "Oedipus King of Thebes: Translated into English Rhyming Verse with Explanatory Notes" by an unknown translator, readers are presented with a new rendition of the classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles. Despite the lack of information about the translator, this version manages to capture the essence of the original play while maintaining a certain freshness that keeps readers engaged. One of the notable aspects of this translation is the use of English rhyming verse, which adds a lyrical quality to the text. While some may argue that this decision might detract from the seriousness and depth of the tragic themes, the translator's skill in finding a delicate balance between poetic language and conveying the emotional weight of the story is commendable. Furthermore, the inclusion of explanatory notes is invaluable in aiding readers' comprehension and appreciation of the play. The notes highlight important cultural and historical references, as well as delve into the complexities of the characters and their motivations. It is evident that the translator has put effort into making this text accessible to readers unfamiliar with the original work. The characterization in this translation is skillfully executed, allowing readers to emotionally connect with the tragic hero, Oedipus, and the other figures in the play. The nuances and internal conflicts within Oedipus are effectively portrayed, making his downfall all the more poignant. However, there are moments when the translation feels slightly stiff and loses some of the natural flow of the original text. This occasionally hampers the emotional impact of certain scenes, but overall, it does not greatly detract from the reader's enjoyment. While the identity of the translator remains a mystery, their interpretation of "Oedipus King of Thebes" showcases a deep understanding of the themes and complexities of the original play. This translation succeeds in giving readers a fresh and engaging perspective on a classic tragedy, and the inclusion of explanatory notes greatly enhances the reader's experience. Despite some moments of stiffness in the translation, this rendition remains a valuable addition to the ever-growing collection of interpretations of Sophocles' timeless masterpiece. First Page: OEDIPUS KING OF THEBES BY SOPHOCLES TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH RHYMING VERSE WITH EXPLANATORY NOTES BY GILBERT MURRAY LL.D., D.LITT., F.B.A. REGIUS PROFESSOR OF GREEK IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD FOURTEENTH THOUSAND LONDON: GEORGE ALLEN & UNWIN LTD. RUSKIN HOUSE 40 MUSEUM STREET, W.C.1 First published February 1911 Reprinted January 1912 " " 1912 " February 1912 " July 1917 PREFACE If I have turned aside from Euripides for a moment and attempted a translation of the great stage masterpiece of Sophocles, my excuse must be the fascination of this play, which has thrown its spell on me as on many other translators. Yet I may plead also that as a rule every diligent student of these great works can add something to the discoveries of his predecessors, and I think I have been able to bring out a few new points in the old and much studied Oedipus , chiefly points connected with the dramatic technique and the religious atmosphere. Mythologists tell us that Oedipus was originally a daemon haunting Mount Kithairon, and Jocasta a form of that Earth Mother who, as Aeschylus puts it, "bringeth all things to being, and when she hath reared them receiveth again their seed into her body" ( Choephori , 127: cf... Continue reading book >>

Oedipus King of Thebes Translated into English Rhyming Verse with Explanatory Notes By: Unknown (495? BC - 406 BC)

In "Oedipus King of Thebes: Translated into English Rhyming Verse with Explanatory Notes" by an unknown translator, readers are presented with a new rendition of the classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles. Despite the lack of information about the translator, this version manages to capture the essence of the original play while maintaining a certain freshness that keeps readers engaged.

One of the notable aspects of this translation is the use of English rhyming verse, which adds a lyrical quality to the text. While some may argue that this decision might detract from the seriousness and depth of the tragic themes, the translator's skill in finding a delicate balance between poetic language and conveying the emotional weight of the story is commendable.

Furthermore, the inclusion of explanatory notes is invaluable in aiding readers' comprehension and appreciation of the play. The notes highlight important cultural and historical references, as well as delve into the complexities of the characters and their motivations. It is evident that the translator has put effort into making this text accessible to readers unfamiliar with the original work.

The characterization in this translation is skillfully executed, allowing readers to emotionally connect with the tragic hero, Oedipus, and the other figures in the play. The nuances and internal conflicts within Oedipus are effectively portrayed, making his downfall all the more poignant. However, there are moments when the translation feels slightly stiff and loses some of the natural flow of the original text. This occasionally hampers the emotional impact of certain scenes, but overall, it does not greatly detract from the reader's enjoyment.

While the identity of the translator remains a mystery, their interpretation of "Oedipus King of Thebes" showcases a deep understanding of the themes and complexities of the original play. This translation succeeds in giving readers a fresh and engaging perspective on a classic tragedy, and the inclusion of explanatory notes greatly enhances the reader's experience. Despite some moments of stiffness in the translation, this rendition remains a valuable addition to the ever-growing collection of interpretations of Sophocles' timeless masterpiece.

First Page:

OEDIPUS

KING OF THEBES

SOPHOCLES

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH RHYMING VERSE

WITH EXPLANATORY NOTES BY

GILBERT MURRAY

LL.D., D.LITT., F.B.A.

REGIUS PROFESSOR OF GREEK IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

FOURTEENTH THOUSAND

LONDON: GEORGE ALLEN & UNWIN LTD. RUSKIN HOUSE 40 MUSEUM STREET, W.C.1

First published February 1911 Reprinted January 1912 " " 1912 " February 1912 " July 1917

PREFACE

If I have turned aside from Euripides for a moment and attempted a translation of the great stage masterpiece of Sophocles, my excuse must be the fascination of this play, which has thrown its spell on me as on many other translators. Yet I may plead also that as a rule every diligent student of these great works can add something to the discoveries of his predecessors, and I think I have been able to bring out a few new points in the old and much studied Oedipus , chiefly points connected with the dramatic technique and the religious atmosphere.

Mythologists tell us that Oedipus was originally a daemon haunting Mount Kithairon, and Jocasta a form of that Earth Mother who, as Aeschylus puts it, "bringeth all things to being, and when she hath reared them receiveth again their seed into her body" ( Choephori , 127: cf... Continue reading book >>

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