The Anglo- Saxon epic “Beowulf” is often considered one of the most important pieces of literature in history. ‘Beowulf’ was a catalyst for centuries of English poetry and novels. The themes displayed in the epic have been analyzed for centuries by countless surveyors of English literature.
The epic has also been translated by multiple authors. Seamus Heaney and Burton Raffel are two of the many outstanding translators. The two translations heavily contrast in their use of poetic devices.
A universal trait in all of “Beowulf’s” translations is the presence of the indomitable Grendel. However, the description of Grendel is written quite differently in both translations. Heaney’s translation is more similar to the Anglo-Saxon style of writing than Raffel’s translation.
Heaney employs alliteration in numerous sentences, whereas, Raffel’s poetic devices are used more sparingly. This use of alliteration evokes a sense of the archaic style of speech that dominated the Anglo-Saxon period. Raffel focuses more on adapting the epic into an understandable tale for the average reader.
Heaney often employs kennings in his translation. Heaney writes that the “earl-troops leader” did not intend to let Grendel escape. Kennings help to make his translation closer to the Anglo-Saxon style of literature.
Heaney’s poetic devices cause the reader to be more familiarized with Anglo-Saxon culture. Heaney’s devices help the reader to better understand how the story was originally composed. Raffel goes to great lengths to ensure his translation is accessible to all readers.
By translating “Beowulf”, Raffel is turning it into a more modern style of writing. This can, at times, take away from the original story’s metaphorical aspect.
Both Heaney and Raffel employ assonance in their respective translations. Assonance helps to evoke the Anglo-Saxon themes that ran rampant in the original epic. These themes are conveyed in two contrasting ways.
Heaney writes of great beauty, whereas, Raffel shows a more grounded take on the world. Both of their respective writing styles give a glimpse of the Anglo-Saxon world. There is great beauty in both of their translations.
Through their poetic devices, both writers are better able to convey the Anglo-Saxon themes and writing of “Beowulf”. The writers’ respective translations each contain numerous traits that make them unique.
Where Heaney translates him into fantastical poetry, Raffel chooses to translate his as a more stoic, traditional epic. each translation has both its flaws and strengths. The respective translations symbolize the interpretation that runs rampant in the human spirit.
Every individual sees things in his own unique way. This image is one of the aspects of human nature that make us, as a species, wholly unique and special on our planet.
