Geraldine McCaughrean's retelling of the classic epic poem The Odyssey, titled Odysseus, draws on and transforms many of the themes and motifs of the original text. One particular passage from Alexander Pope's translation of The Odyssey is of particular interest, as McCaughrean incorporates elements of it into her own narrative. In this essay, I will analyze how McCaughrean draws on and transforms Pope's translation of The Odyssey, and how the two selections are alike and different.
The passage in question is from Book V of Pope's translation, in which the nymph Calypso is described as "bright as the sun" and her island paradise as "a thing divine." McCaughrean's retelling of this passage occurs early on in her narrative, as she describes Odysseus' arrival on Calypso's island after being shipwrecked. McCaughrean writes, "He found himself on a shore so brilliant that the sand beneath his feet glimmered like crushed diamonds, and the air was so pure and sweet it seemed to fill his lungs with honey" (McCaughrean, 16).
The similarities between the two passages are immediately apparent. Both describe Calypso's island as a place of great beauty and wonder. Pope's description of Calypso herself as "bright as the sun" is echoed in McCaughrean's description of the "brilliant" shore. Both passages also use language that conveys a sense of the divine or supernatural, with Pope describing the island as "a thing divine" and McCaughrean's language suggesting that the air itself is imbued with a kind of magic.
However, there are also notable differences between the two passages. One of the most significant is the perspective from which they are told. Pope's description is written from the perspective of an outside observer, while McCaughrean's description is written from Odysseus' own point of view. This difference in perspective allows McCaughrean to create a more intimate connection between the reader and the character of Odysseus, as we experience the island's beauty and wonder through his eyes.
Another significant difference between the two passages is the tone in which they are written. Pope's description is grand and elevated, using lofty language and imagery to convey a sense of awe and wonder. In contrast, McCaughrean's description is more grounded and sensory, using concrete details to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. This difference in tone reflects the different goals of the two works: Pope's translation is a literary masterpiece, meant to be admired and appreciated for its beauty and artistry, while McCaughrean's retelling is a story, meant to engage and entertain the reader.
In conclusion, McCaughrean's retelling of The Odyssey draws on and transforms a particular passage from Pope's translation, using similar language and imagery to convey the beauty and wonder of Calypso's island while also creating a more intimate and grounded perspective through the eyes of Odysseus. While the two passages share many similarities, there are also significant differences in their perspective, tone, and overall purpose. By incorporating elements of Pope's translation into her own retelling, McCaughrean creates a work that is both faithful to the original text and uniquely her own.
*IG:whis.sama_ent