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The following is a review for the Emily Wilson translation of The Odyssey:
I was taught The Odyssey briefly in school, and I’ve seen adaptations and references in media throughout the years, but I knew I always wanted to read it for myself once I was old enough to appreciate it. I saw all the discourse on social media regarding Emily Wilson’s translation of this epic tale, and while I did do my research on different translations, I do believe that after reading this that this version of The Odyssey is perfect for high school teachers or first time readers. I do think that I prefer the prose of Robert Fagles’ translation, but Emily Wilson’s is not as bad as some would have you believe. The Odyssey is a classic for a reason. The Odyssey is rich with themes that resonate deeply, like the longing for home and the bonds of family. Key ideas include hospitality, loyalty, identity, and the balance between fate and free will, all woven into Odysseus's epic journey. I think that modern boys and men might not resonate with the lessons in this story, but I know that men throughout the ages have coveted this story and its messages, which explains this story’s longevity in popular culture and literary spaces. I liked that Odysseus is a complicated protagonist. He’s bold and cunning, but also brash and sometimes stupid. He gets a lot of people killed, and makes a lot of mistakes. And yet, we relate to his yearning for his home and family, and we cheer when he gets his happy ending. I think a lot of people can relate to Odysseus’s journey, as we can all see a part of ourselves in him. There’s a reason so many English teachers use this story as an example for The Hero’s Journey. There are many iconic moments in this story, but the one that sticks out to me is when Odysseus returns home and comes across his loyal dog Argos. Because he’s in disguise, Odysseus cannot pet him, and Argos watches him as his old master passes him by. Old and neglected, Argos dies. While many aspects of this story are standouts and culturally significant, Argos’ small part somehow stood out to me the most. I liked the ideas explored in this story, and it is clear why this is such a timeless tale passed down through the generations. As for Emily Wilson’s translation, I did find the language simple and modern, and I understand why people say this is the translation best used in schools. I do think that I need to read other translations in order to determine which version is my favourite, but I did have a good time with this.
I was taught The Odyssey briefly in school, and I’ve seen adaptations and references in media throughout the years, but I knew I always wanted to read it for myself once I was old enough to appreciate it. I saw all the discourse on social media regarding Emily Wilson’s translation of this epic tale, and while I did do my research on different translations, I do believe that after reading this that this version of The Odyssey is perfect for high school teachers or first time readers. I do think that I prefer the prose of Robert Fagles’ translation, but Emily Wilson’s is not as bad as some would have you believe. The Odyssey is a classic for a reason. The Odyssey is rich with themes that resonate deeply, like the longing for home and the bonds of family. Key ideas include hospitality, loyalty, identity, and the balance between fate and free will, all woven into Odysseus's epic journey. I think that modern boys and men might not resonate with the lessons in this story, but I know that men throughout the ages have coveted this story and its messages, which explains this story’s longevity in popular culture and literary spaces. I liked that Odysseus is a complicated protagonist. He’s bold and cunning, but also brash and sometimes stupid. He gets a lot of people killed, and makes a lot of mistakes. And yet, we relate to his yearning for his home and family, and we cheer when he gets his happy ending. I think a lot of people can relate to Odysseus’s journey, as we can all see a part of ourselves in him. There’s a reason so many English teachers use this story as an example for The Hero’s Journey. There are many iconic moments in this story, but the one that sticks out to me is when Odysseus returns home and comes across his loyal dog Argos. Because he’s in disguise, Odysseus cannot pet him, and Argos watches him as his old master passes him by. Old and neglected, Argos dies. While many aspects of this story are standouts and culturally significant, Argos’ small part somehow stood out to me the most. I liked the ideas explored in this story, and it is clear why this is such a timeless tale passed down through the generations. As for Emily Wilson’s translation, I did find the language simple and modern, and I understand why people say this is the translation best used in schools. I do think that I need to read other translations in order to determine which version is my favourite, but I did have a good time with this.
adventurous
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
(I will never understand how the Iliad has higher ratings than the Odyssey when the Odyssey is clearly the superior work, but whatever...)
Here we have one of the most important works of Western canon at 2,700 year 0ld, but there is something incredibly important about the Odyssey-
It's the world's first fantasy novel! Yep, I went there, folks, the Odyssey is the world's first fantasy novel, and I will stand by that.
Think about it we have a full length narration about a guy (Odysseus) who is on an epic quest to get back home and on the way he has to fight magical creatures (gods, monsters, you know the roster) and overcome challenge after challenge by the obstacles by the said magical creatures as he does everything on in his power to finish his quest.
Doesn't that sound exactly like a fantasy novel to anyone else? Seriously, like the template of all following fantasy.
As for the story, it's fun, and I really found myself rooting for Odysseus (Though the guy should have kept it in his pants) to get back home to his wife and son. The story is easily one of the best surviving Greek myths we have, and for all his flaws, Odysseus is a pretty great main character and it's always great to see a hero that relies more on brain than muscle. So, even by 2,700 years ago the Odyssey is refreshing in that aspect.
Really, great adventure fantasy story. It's a classic that has survived nearly 3,000 years for a reason, and I feel it still has it's merit despite it's age-plus world's first fantasy!
Also-
"Thunder bring her through the ringer! Show her I'm the judgement call! The one who makes her kingdom fall!"
Here we have one of the most important works of Western canon at 2,700 year 0ld, but there is something incredibly important about the Odyssey-
It's the world's first fantasy novel! Yep, I went there, folks, the Odyssey is the world's first fantasy novel, and I will stand by that.
Think about it we have a full length narration about a guy (Odysseus) who is on an epic quest to get back home and on the way he has to fight magical creatures (gods, monsters, you know the roster) and overcome challenge after challenge by the obstacles by the said magical creatures as he does everything on in his power to finish his quest.
Doesn't that sound exactly like a fantasy novel to anyone else? Seriously, like the template of all following fantasy.
As for the story, it's fun, and I really found myself rooting for Odysseus (Though the guy should have kept it in his pants) to get back home to his wife and son. The story is easily one of the best surviving Greek myths we have, and for all his flaws, Odysseus is a pretty great main character and it's always great to see a hero that relies more on brain than muscle. So, even by 2,700 years ago the Odyssey is refreshing in that aspect.
Really, great adventure fantasy story. It's a classic that has survived nearly 3,000 years for a reason, and I feel it still has it's merit despite it's age-plus world's first fantasy!
Also-
"Thunder bring her through the ringer! Show her I'm the judgement call! The one who makes her kingdom fall!"
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes