Sophocles and Seneca´s Version of Oedipus Rex - 558 Words

Discussion Guide #2: The Differences in Translation of Oedipus The best way to view the translations of Oedipus the King by Sophocles and Seneca is to compare a sketch and a painting. Sophocles is an outline of the story that shows us the highlights in words that are easily digested and transcend through every time period. The word reverent, as spoken in class, applies due to its graceful nature of giving us moral values, while not over-sensationalizing the issues. During Seneca, we are given a violent, bloody, and visually stunning portrayal of Oedipus’ downfall. Each tell the story, but only Seneca features a long soliloquy, massive choral odes, and live-action suicide. He strokes thick, dirty detailed lines that show off the internal struggle of men, damning oracles, and dying cow fetuses. In order to compare the light strokes of Sophocles to Seneca, we first observe the display of Oedipus confronting the troubles that devastate his fatherland. The words given to his people who have gathered at the altar of Zeus, â€Å"My children, scions of the ancient Cadmean line/what is the meaning of this thronging round my feet/this holding out of olive boughs all wreathed in woe?†(5). It is not Oedipus who cries out for his of land, but the priest who takes on the task of reciting their miseries. Seneca introduces us to a king who speaks woes by internal reflection, â€Å"Can any man enjoy being a King? /A blessing? What a cheat! Behind the smile, the smooth front, agony!†