Oedipus Rex

A detailed Summary of Oedipus Rex

Poetry is what is lost in translation. The beauty of human expression, modified by the difference of tongue. In Sophocles tragic drama Oedipus Rex, translation creates the backbone to its universal outstretch, yet further diffuses the natural flowing syntax of the Greek language. Although there are many different English-translated versions of Oedipus Rex, such as David Greene's translation, 1942; E. F. Watling's, 1946; Paul Roche's, 1958; and Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald's, 1976, one version captures the essence of character for Oedipus, as Sophocles would have presented it. Furthermore, Oedipus' Compassion, Leadership and Greatness, can be demonstrated most clearly through the use of diction, imagery and, themes and tones. Within the Prologue, Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald's English-translated version, ultimately displays a greater magnitude of character for Oedipus, thus proving his sovereignty.

Compassion directly displays the true inner being of character. In Fitts and Fitzgerald's translated version, Oedipus speaks of divine purpose that further demonstrates a greater sense of commiseration. He conveys the words, "My children. . ." (Ln. 1) which displays his presence as a father figure. Th

Greatness knows itself. In Fitts and Fitzgerald's translated version, Oedipus conveys greatness in a more indirect complexity. He says, " My children, generations of the living In the line of Kadmos, nursed at his ancient hearth:" (Ln 1-2) This description is the interdisciplinary act to understanding the background of Thebes. Moreover, it further gives the genealogy of Oedipus, thus providing his notability. When compared to Greene's translation, the dominant visual representation of lineage seems to be clipped out. He states the words, ". . . old Cadmus," (Ln 1) that in turn, seems to portray an image that historical ways have been set aside, and Oedipus is trying to become the new revolution. Respect is another key theme, Fitts and Fitzgerald, seem to convey, that present Oedipus as an embodiment of the great ideal. While kings tend to remain high in stature, Oedipus seems to step down from his pedestal, to speak to his people with expressive emotion. He declares, "I should be heartless Were I not moved to find you suppliant here." (13-14) This displays Oedipus' as always speaking with an easy fluidity; moreover personifying him as neither impudent nor aversive with his words. When compared to Roche's translation, his tone does not seem to portray respect through Oedipus. He describes Oedipus as saying, in the same section, "There's not a thing I could coldbloodedly refuse petitioners so pitiful." (11-12) It is obvious that he is acknowledging the fact that he feels their suffering, yet it does not show Oedipus as expressing enough emotion, to infer that he gives all respect

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Approximate Word count = 1078
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English