Jacobo Diaz

Prof. Andrew Smith

ENC 1102

September 25th, 2023

Sophocles’ “Oedipus the King” holds great significance in the world of literature and

theater. It is a classic Greek tragedy written by Sophocles; it talks about the consequences of our

actions. The play's impact on audiences and readers has made people have a deep emotional

response. It is still important to this day and is still performed, it has a power to resonate with

audiences across any culture and generation. George Adams' and F. Storr's are differences in

language, how the characters are portrayed, and interpretations, despite narrating the same story,

offer different perspectives on the play.

Firstly, it is important to note the distinct translation styles and historical context

demonstrated by Adams and Storr. Adams' translation maintains a formal and original Greek

text. This translation was published in 1909, a time when the classical world was highly regarded

in Western culture. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a revival of interest in

classical antiquity, with scholars and artists drawing inspiration from ancient Greece and Rome.

He meticulously adheres to the sentence structure and vocabulary of the material, which

preserves the play's elegance and solemnity. However, this fidelity to the original can make the

dialogue chaotic to contemporary readers. For instance, Adams uses expressions like "thou hast a

mind" and "thy father's roof," which are not commonly used in modern English. F. Storr's

translation is a modern, contemporary style. This translation was produced during a period of

cultural transition marked by the aftermath of World War I and the growing influence of

modernism in literature. The world was undergoing significant societal changes, and the arts

were evolving to reflect new perspectives. Storr makes there be an easier understanding between

ancient Greece and modern audiences, making the themes and dialogues of the play more

relatable. He uses simpler and more direct language, which is a straightforward and easily

understood way of writing.

The character portrayals in the two translations are influenced by their respective

historical contexts. Adams' translation tends to maintain the regal and authoritative tone of the

original Greek characters. OedThis portrayal emphasizes Oedipus' kingly status and his

conviction in his capacity to defy the gods' will.

In contrast, Storr's translation humanizes the characters to a greater extent. Oedipus is

depicted as a more relatable figure, subject to the same emotions and vulnerabilities as any

ordinary person. Storr's Oedipus is not merely a king but a man grappling with the inexplicable.

For example, when Oedipus discovers his identity, Storr translates his anguish as, "Ah,

miserable! that I am doomed to bear thus much!" This portrayal accentuates the human tragedy

of Oedipus, making his suffering relatable.

These character portrayals reflect the shifting attitudes towards authority and heroism in

the early 20th century. The traditional heroic figure, as depicted in Adams' translation, may have

seemed less relevant or even problematic in a post-World War I considering when it was

translated.

In conclusion, George Adams and F. Storr's translations of Sophocles' "Oedipus the

King" offer different interpretations of the same story. These differences in style, and translations

of fate and free will, and overall tone and atmosphere significantly shape how audiences engage

with the play. Adams' translation is close to the original, preserving its classical grandeur, while

Storr's translation strives to make the story more accessible and emotionally resonant for modern

readers. Both translations provide valuable insights into the enduring power of Greek tragedy

and the perennial questions it raises about the human condition.