Alexander Pope's translation of the Iliad is known for its formal and structured style, reflecting the literary conventions of his time. His translation captures the grandeur and drama of Homer's epic through the use of heroic couplets and a rhythm that elevates the narrative. An example of this is seen in Book 1, where Pope describes Achilles' wrath with elaborate diction: "Achilles' wrath, to Greece the direful spring / Of woes unnumbered, heavenly goddess, sing!" This grandiosity is consistent throughout Pope’s work, evident in elaborate metaphors like those in Book 6, comparing human generations to "leaves on trees", emphasizing the ephemeral nature of human life in a highly poetic manner. Similarly, Pope maintains this ornate style when addressing themes of glory and mortality, as seen in Achilles’ reflection on his fate in Book 9. Emily Wilson's translation, on the other hand, offers a more contemporary and accessible rendition of the Iliad, characterized by its straightforward language and clarity. Wilson's version is crafted to resonate with modern readers, as demonstrated in the opening lines of Book 1: "Goddess, sing of the cataclysmic wrath / of great Achilles..." Her approach focuses on direct and vivid imagery, such as the depiction of human generations in Book 6 as the "growth and fall of leaves," which retains the original metaphor but in simpler terms. Wilson's translation seeks to convey Homer’s themes of fate and heroism, such as Achilles' choice between glory and life in Book 9, with clarity that facilitates understanding while still preserving the narrative's poignancy. Overall, Pope's translation leans towards a grandiose poetic style, while Wilson’s emphasizes clear, direct language, each bringing the timeless epic to distinct audiences.
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!
Goddess, sing of the cataclysmic wrath
of great Achilles, son of Peleus,
which caused the Greeks immeasurable pain
and sent so many noble souls of heroes
to Hades, and made men the spoils of dogs,
a banquet for the birds, and so the plan
of Zeus unfolded—starting with the conflict
between great Agamemnon, lord of men,
and glorious Achilles.