Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

297 | Emily Wilson on Homer, Poetry, and Translation

Nov 25, 2024

Emily Wilson, a Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, is celebrated for her translations of Homer’s epics. In this conversation, she explores the complexities and nuances of translating The Iliad and The Odyssey. Topics include the evolution of these tales from oral to written form, the impact of translation on identity, and the emotional depth achieved through storytelling. Wilson also discusses the significance of the divine in human experience within the texts, and the artistic challenges translators face in capturing their essence.

01:15:12

Episode guests

Emily Wilson

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Emily Wilson's translations of The Iliad and The Odyssey bridge the gap between ancient Greek culture and contemporary readers, emphasizing universal human experiences.

The unique challenges of translating Homeric texts involve balancing fidelity to original poetic structures with making them accessible to modern audiences.

The enduring themes of honor, grief, and identity in Homer's epics continue to resonate today, prompting reflection on contemporary issues and societal narratives.

Deep dives

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Intro

2min

Exploring Homer's Epics

14min

The Thrill of Listening to Homer: Anticipation and Storytelling

2min

Narrative Sophistication in Greek Epics

17min

The Power of Art in Understanding Complexity

2min

Divine Dynamics and Human Experience

13min

The Complexities of Translation and Identity in Homeric Texts

2min

The Art of Translating the Iliad

25min

Exploring New Narratives in Ancient Epics

2min

Not too long ago, Brad Pitt and Eric Bana starred in a (loose) adaptation of Homer's epic poem The Iliad; next month, Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche will headline a film based on The Odyssey. Given that the originals were written (or at least written down) in the 8th century BCE, that is some impressive staying power. But they were also written in a very different time than ours, with different cultural context and narrative expectations. We talk about the issues of translation in general, and these Greek classics in particular, with Emily Wilson, whose recent translations of The Iliad and The Odyssey have garnered worldwide acclaim.

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Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/11/25/297-emily-wilson-on-homer-poetry-and-translation/

Emily Wilson received her Ph.D. in classical and comparative literature from Yale. She is currently Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Among her awards are the Charles Berheimer Prize from the American Comparative Literature Association, a Rome Prize fellowship from the American Academy in Rome, and Guggenheim and MacArthur fellowships.

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