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The Agamemnon of Aeschylus Translated into English Rhyming Verse with Explanatory Notes   By: (525 BC - 456 BC)

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The Agamemnon of Aeschylus Translated into English Rhyming Verse with Explanatory Notes is an intriguing piece of work, capturing the essence of the ancient Greek tragedy in a unique and accessible manner. Despite its unknown translator, this rendition preserves the timeless beauty and complexity of Aeschylus' original text.

One of the most impressive aspects of this translation is the use of rhyming verse. While rhyming schemes can sometimes feel forced or contrived, the translator skillfully maintains the natural flow of the dialogue, making the verses not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to follow. This choice adds a musical quality to the text, enhancing the dramatic tension throughout the play.

The inclusion of explanatory notes is an invaluable addition to this translation. These annotations provide essential background information and clarify subtle nuances that may be lost in translation or unfamiliar to modern readers. The notes further enrich the reading experience, serving as a helpful guide to understanding the cultural context and intricacies of the play.

The translator's dedication to capturing the essence of Aeschylus' work is evident in the way they convey the complex emotions and moral dilemmas of the characters. From the opening act, the audience is transported into a world of power struggles, vengeance, and the consequences of war. The translator skillfully maintains the gravity and intensity of the original tragedy, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story.

However, the absence of the translator's name raises questions about their expertise and authority in handling such a monumental piece of literature. While the translation itself is commendable, readers may find it disconcerting to not know the background and qualifications of the translator. This lack of information may be a deterrent for those seeking a reputable and established translation.

In conclusion, The Agamemnon of Aeschylus Translated into English Rhyming Verse with Explanatory Notes is a commendable effort that successfully captures the essence of the ancient Greek tragedy. The use of rhyming verse and accompanying explanatory notes enhance the reading experience, making it accessible to a wider audience. Despite the absence of the translator's name, this translation remains a valuable addition to any avid reader or scholar interested in exploring the depths of Aeschylus' timeless masterpiece.

First Page:

THE

AGAMEMNON

OF

AESCHYLUS

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH RHYMING VERSE

WITH EXPLANATORY NOTES BY

GILBERT MURRAY

REGIUS PROFESSOR OF GREEK IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

TENTH THOUSAND

LONDON: GEORGE ALLEN & UNWIN LTD.

RUSKIN HOUSE, 40 MUSEUM STREET, W.C.

PREFACE

The sense of difficulty, and indeed of awe, with which a scholar approaches the task of translating the Agamemnon depends directly on its greatness as poetry. It is in part a matter of diction. The language of Aeschylus is an extraordinary thing, the syntax stiff and simple, the vocabulary obscure, unexpected, and steeped in splendour. Its peculiarities cannot be disregarded, or the translation will be false in character. Yet not Milton himself could produce in English the same great music, and a translator who should strive ambitiously to represent the complex effect of the original would clog his own powers of expression and strain his instrument to breaking. But, apart from the diction in this narrower sense, there is a quality of atmosphere surrounding the Agamemnon which seems almost to defy reproduction in another setting, because it depends in large measure on the position of the play in the historical development of Greek literature.

If we accept the view that all Art to some extent, and Greek tragedy in a very special degree, moves in its course of development from Religion to Entertainment, from a Service to a Performance, the Agamemnon seems to stand at a critical point where the balance of the two elements is near perfection... Continue reading book >>




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