Emily Wilson Talks Complicated Men, Celebrating Strangeness

In 2017, Emily Wilson became the first woman to publish a complete English translation of Homer’s Odyssey, a foundational work of Western literature composed around the 8th century BCE. The Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, telling the story of Odysseus, a hero returning home after the Trojan War—a conflict that lasted ten years and is recounted in Homer’s other epic, the Iliad. Wilson’s translation is notable for its accessibility, as it uses modern English to render the original Greek text, which dates back nearly 3,000 years. This work earned her widespread recognition in the field of classics, a branch of humanities that studies ancient Greek and Roman cultures, languages, and texts. Wilson’s achievement challenged the long-standing tradition of male-dominated translations of classical works, which had persisted for centuries.

Wilson’s translation of the Odyssey disrupted conventional approaches to classical literature by offering a fresh perspective on its themes and characters. Classical translations often prioritize literal accuracy or poetic grandeur, but Wilson’s version emphasizes clarity and contemporary relevance. For instance, she chose to render the Greek word polytropos—a term describing Odysseus as 'much-turning' or 'of many ways'—as 'complicated,' a word that resonates with modern readers while retaining the original’s complexity. This decision reflects her broader goal of making ancient texts feel alive and relatable. Her work aligns with a growing trend in academia to re-examine classical literature through diverse lenses, including gender, race, and power dynamics. Wilson’s approach has sparked discussions about how translations shape our understanding of historical texts.

Wilson’s translation philosophy centers on the idea that language is fluid and that there is always another way to express an idea. She argues that translations are not just about converting words from one language to another but about capturing the essence of a text in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences. For example, she often revises her translations multiple times to refine their meaning and rhythm, a process she describes as iterative and collaborative. This method contrasts with traditional approaches that treat translations as fixed or definitive. Wilson’s emphasis on linguistic experimentation reflects her belief that language is a living, evolving tool rather than a static set of rules. Her work encourages readers to engage critically with both the original texts and their translations.

Wilson’s translation of the Odyssey also reinterprets the portrayal of male characters, particularly Odysseus, who is often celebrated as a hero in traditional readings. By using terms like 'complicated' to describe him, Wilson highlights the contradictions in his character—his cunning, his flaws, and his capacity for both cruelty and compassion. This approach challenges the uncritical admiration often accorded to male figures in classical literature, where their complexities are sometimes overshadowed by their heroic status. Wilson’s work invites readers to question how we define heroism and whether these figures deserve unqualified praise. Her perspective aligns with feminist critiques of classical literature, which argue that these texts have historically reinforced patriarchal values.

Wilson’s translation has had a significant impact on the field of classical studies, which traditionally relies on translations to make ancient texts accessible to non-specialists. Her work has been widely adopted in classrooms, book clubs, and public discussions, broadening the audience for classical literature beyond academic circles. This accessibility has contributed to a broader cultural conversation about the relevance of ancient texts in modern society. Wilson’s success has also inspired other translators, particularly women and underrepresented voices, to engage with classical works. Her approach demonstrates that translations can be both scholarly and accessible, bridging the gap between the ancient world and contemporary readers.