Both Alexander Pope and Anthony Verity provide translations of Homer's *Iliad* that capture the essence of this classic epic, though their styles reflect different approaches to conveying the text's themes and tone. Pope's translation, characterized by its rhythmic and poetic nature, often embellishes the original text with grandiloquent language. For example, in describing Achilles’ anger in Book 1, Pope's use of phrases like "unburied on the naked shore" and "direful spring of woes unnumbered" introduces a heightened sense of drama and tragedy. This style creates a more elevated and decorative version of the epic, consistent with the poetic conventions of the time when Pope was writing. Conversely, Anthony Verity's translation offers a more straightforward and literal rendering of the original Greek, aiming for accuracy and clarity. Verity's rendering of Athena encouraging Diomedes in Book 5 captures the directness of the goddess's speech, reflecting a more modern approach to translation that prioritizes fidelity to the source material. For instance, Verity translates characters' speeches with clear and precise language, such as "This crazed god, this shape formed of evil," which retains the simplicity and directness of the original narrative. While Pope's translation tends to lean into the stylistic richness and grandeur of the 18th century, Verity provides a translation that feels grounded and accessible, allowing the reader to engage directly with the ancient text's straightforward power and emotion.
Achilles' wrath, to Greece the direful spring
Of woes unnumbered, heavenly goddess, sing!
That wrath which hurled to Pluto's gloomy reign
The souls of mighty chiefs untimely slain;
Whose limbs, unburied on the naked shore,
Devouring dogs and hungry vultures tore.
Since great Achilles and Atrides strove,
Such was the sovereign doom, and such the will of Jove!
SING, goddess, the anger of Achilles, Peleus' son,
the accursed anger which brought the Achaeans countless
agonies and hurled many mighty shades of heroes into Hades,
causing them to become the prey of dogs and
all kinds of birds; and the plan of Zeus was fulfilled.
Sing from the time the two men were first divided in strife—
Atreus' son, lord of men, and glorious Achilles.