Emily Wilson, whose 2017 translation of Homer's "The Odyssey" became a bestseller and a cultural touchstone, is undertaking a complete retranslation of the epic poem. Wilson, a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, stated that the new version is not a revision but a distinct work, and she is currently about halfway through the process.
Wilson's initial translation was notable as the first major English-language rendition of "The Odyssey" by a woman. It achieved bestseller status and became a subject of cultural debate, particularly in light of its accessibility and modern feel, which some online critics labeled as "woke." The translation has since sold over a million copies.
Despite the success of her first translation, Wilson noted that her translation methods have evolved and she has identified areas for improvement. For example, she believes she overused the term "slave" when the original Greek text had more nuanced terms for different categories of enslaved individuals. The forthcoming translation is expected to be longer and will aim to more accurately reflect the diverse social structures depicted in the poem.
While revising or editing previous works is common for authors, translators rarely embark on entirely new versions of lengthy texts, especially within a decade of their original publication and after achieving significant acclaim. Kate Deimling of the American Translators Association described Wilson's decision as unusual, distinguishing it from routine edits or corrections.
Wilson acknowledged that her publisher's reaction to the retranslation was met with controversy. She is aware that having two recent translations by the same translator could present challenges for educators, and expressed hope that they would not be inconvenienced. Peter Simon, Wilson's editor at Liveright Publishing, commented that her dedication to "The Odyssey" makes her new approach potentially "thrilling."
Wilson's public profile has been amplified by the reception of her "Odyssey," which director Christopher Nolan cited as an inspiration for his 2023 film adaptation. Wilson, however, offered a critical assessment of the movie, describing it as "grandiose and superficial." Her critique generated significant discussion, with reactions ranging from defense to denouncement.
Her prominence also coincides with the release of her new essay collection, "Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea." The book includes an extended discussion of her "Odyssey" translation process, alongside critical evaluations of other modern translations and explorations of classical figures and historical mistranslations, such as Robert F. Kennedy's use of a phrase from Aeschylus. Wilson also touches on themes of celebrity, her reservations about Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" series, and her appreciation for Stoic philosophy.
In discussions about her translation philosophy, Wilson emphasized achieving "enargeia," or vividness, to create emotional impact and directness for the reader. She views translation as an ongoing process of reinterpretation, acknowledging that translators, like scholars and popularizers before them, inevitably bring their own temporal and personal preoccupations to their work. Wilson stated her awareness of the potential for being misunderstood or disliked, finding a measure of acceptance in the powerlessness that comes with public reception of one's work.
Regarding her critique of Rick Riordan's popular young adult series, Wilson expressed suspicion about the underlying ideology, particularly what she perceives as a narrative of "American exceptionalism" in "The Lightning Thief." She contrasted this with her own approach, which she aims to connect antiquity with modernity, using contemporary examples like the song "WAP" and hip-hop to discuss ancient poetry and its inherent complexities.