McCaughren's Use of Pope's Translation of "The Odyssey" in Odysseus

Title: Drawing on and Transforming "The Odyssey": A Comparative Analysis of McCaughren's "Odysseus" and Pope's Translation Introduction Homer's "The Odyssey" has been the subject of numerous adaptations and translations, each reinterpreting and transforming the epic poem in unique ways. Among these adaptations is Odysseus, a narrative retelling by McCaughren, which draws inspiration from Alexander Pope's translation of the classical text. This essay aims to analyze the ways in which McCaughren's Odysseus draws on and transforms a specific passage from Pope's translation, exploring both the similarities and differences in their respective characterizations and plotlines. Passage Selection and Context For the purpose of this analysis, the selected passage is book V of Pope's translation, in which Odysseus is stranded on the island of Ogygia and held captive by the nymph Calypso. Within this passage, we read about Calypso's offer to grant Odysseus immortality and the hero's inner turmoil between accepting eternal life with Calypso or continuing his perilous journey back home. In our investigation, we will focus on examining how McCaughren interprets this particular passage in her narrative retelling and identify the key differences and similarities between both works. Similarities: Drawing on Pope's Translation One of the striking similarities between McCaughren's retelling and Pope's translation lies in their depiction of the characters involved. Odysseus, despite his captivity, remains steadfast in his desire to return home, showcasing his loyalty and determination. McCaughren maintains this essential aspect of his character. She, too, portrays Odysseus as devoted to his family, constantly reminiscing about his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus. Like Pope's translation, McCaughren's characterization of Calypso is that of a complex, conflicted character, torn between her love for Odysseus and her understanding that he ultimately belongs elsewhere. Another similarity between the two works is the embodiment of the theme of temptation. Both Pope and McCaughren depict the scene in which Calypso tempts Odysseus with immortality, emphasizing the hero's moral and emotional struggle. By staying true to this aspect of The Odyssey, McCaughren highlights the theme of resisting temptation and the importance of staying true to one's own values. Transformations: McCaughren's Unique Interpretation Despite the adherence to Pope's translation in terms of character portrayal and themes, McCaughren's retelling transforms the passage in several ways. Firstly, she elevates Calypso's agency in the narrative. In Pope's translation, Calypso eventually releases Odysseus after receiving a direct command from Zeus. However, in McCaughren's retelling, Calypso chooses to let Odysseus depart due to her understanding of his unwavering commitment to his homeland and family, ultimately putting her love for Odysseus ahead of her own desires. This change highlights Calypso's growth as a character, making her seem more compassionate and self-aware. Another transformative aspect found in McCaughren's Odysseus is the focus on the psychological elements of the story. She delves deeper into Odysseus' thoughts and emotions, illustrating the intensity of his longing for home and the extent of his internal struggle. The narrative takes on a more personal and psychological perspective, allowing the reader a closer connection to the protagonist's feelings and motivations. Lastly, McCaughren's retelling simplifies the original passage by eliminating certain mythological elements present in Pope's translation. For instance, she omits the involvement of Hermes as the divine messenger and reduces the intervention of the gods in Odysseus' journey. This adaptation makes the narrative more relatable and accessible for modern readers, focusing on the human emotions and conflicts in the story. Conclusion In conclusion, McCaughren's narrative retelling of Odysseus draws on Pope's translation of "The Odyssey" while transforming certain elements to create a more relatable and accessible rendition. While both versions of the story remain faithful to the classical text in terms of character depiction and themes, McCaughren reinterprets the passage to emphasize human emotions, agency and psychological depth, offering a fresh interpretation that is engaging for contemporary readers.