Boomhower+10.28.09

Notes for Class on October 28th, 2009-
 * This page will be further updated in the future. This is just a generic outline for the time being.

-Students receive a packet containing multiple translations of Sappho's "God in my Eyes" poem. They then break into groups of three to complete an activity.

Activity Directions: - read six versions of the same poem ("God in my Eyes") - select key words in each version - define the key words - select one version as your favorite or the best and say why...

Notes given by Professor Nicosia and determined by the class discussion-
 * Sappho's poems translated from multiple languages (Greek, Italian, French, etc.)
 * Multiple translations each have unique interpretations
 * Word choice- different words have different meanings
 * Structure- variations of poem and sentence structure may alter the poems meaning


 * Some of the translated poems have been "modernized" (updated for contemporary society)
 * "Politicized": the LGBT community has taken excerpts of Sappho's poems to further their agenda
 * Phrases and word choice appeal more to modern readers

Questions for thought or discussion-
 * What is the validity of studying a translated poem?
 * What gives a person the authority to title another's poem?
 * Some examples were given titles by their translators. Are they appropriate?
 * Why did some translators feel it necessary to modernize the poem's content?