Rage - a central theme and catalyst for the events occurring with Homer’s epic poem The Iliad. While the Robert Fagles translation begins with the term that finds its roots from the latin word aestŭo [1], other translations beg to differ. The term rage is defined as violent and uncontrolled anger [2], which can certainly be seen by Achilles and his outrage at losing the precious treasure of a woman. This uncontrolled anger sets him to essentially betray his own men, which has dire consequences for many.
Although the concept is extremely vital to the storyline of The Iliad, it is only used 15 times throughout the book [3]. An example from book one: “With rage his black heart was wholly filled, and his eyes were like blazing fire.” [4]. The term is most often used to describe the fit that someone is in and due to its negative nature, other ancient examples use it in almost an accusing manner. Aristotle used its descriptive elements as well: “For 'tis thy friends that make thee choke with rage.” [5] Rage as a concept is something to contain according to these ancient authors.
One interesting discrepancy to note is that the edition of The Iliad widely read for this class, the Robert Fagles translation, differs in its beginning sentence. The Fagles translation begins with the word “rage” while earlier translations wait to use anger or rage until later in the sentence. While this may not seem like a large discrepancy when it comes to the ever-evolving translations, the very first word when I began reading The Iliad had a profound effect on me. It would not have had the same effect if I read the Samuel Butler translation, which begins with the word “sing”. By starting with the term “rage”, the reader also comprehends the concept of anger and doing this right out of the gate as they begin the poem. This sets the tone for the poem, and I believe the concept accurately portrays the essence of the epic.
In modern scholarship, the concept of rage is often referred to when discussing current events and political issues. As almost a form of discrediting and propaganda, news sources describe irrational or odd actions by foreign leaders as their personal rage against the world. For example, a CBS article from 2006 was entitled: “Rage, Rockets & Rhetoric” and it chronicled the militaristic components of the Israel and Hezbollah conflict. The article delves into the idea that rage was a critical factor in the conflict and played heavily in the decision-making in relation to constant attacks. [6]
While the concept of rage is a fairly simple idea to grasp, I believe it is necessary for a better understanding of rhetoric and underlying motives to action.
[1] “A Latin Dictionary”. 1879. Charlton T. Lewis, Ph.D. and. Charles Short, LL.D. Oxford. Clarendon Press.
[2] “Definition of rage”, Merriam Websterhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rage
[3] “Rage”, Perseus Search Results, http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/searchresults?page=2&target=en&q=rage&collections=Perseus:collection:Greco-Roman
[4] “The Iliad”, Homer, Translation by A.T. Murray, Ph.D.
[5] “Politics”, Aristotle, Translated by H. Rackham.
[6] “Rage, Rockets &Rhetoric”, 6-25-06, Lloyd de Vries. Accessed from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/24/world/main1826994.shtml
3 comments:
This is a fascinating commentary! Through a close textual frame your comments certainly bring into question the importance of naming. For instance, would an independent reading of either the Fagles or the Butler translation provoke different perceptions of Achilles' chief motivation? Does the naming of a concept and particularly an emotion intensify a reader's impression?
I found the differences in translation to be interesting and your observations to be insightful as well. I also noted how this shows the power in naming and how drastic one word can change the tone and development of a story.
I find Fagle's use of the word rage to be an effective way to set the tone and mood for what's to come, considering it plays a huge role in not only the dispute between Agammemnon, which keeps him out of the war initially. Yet, rage is the reason why he decides to come back to the war after the death of his beloved friend.
I also find it interesting that the use of rage in contemporary political times refers to the misrepresentation of character or a response to an attack on character.
Did you actually go through and count the number of times rage appeared by hand? Impressive.
I find it impressive that you managed to resist talking about Rage Against the Machine! So many of the words we are looking at seem to be polarized, so I am interested in what you think would be Rage's opposite?
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