Robert Fitzgerald Quotes

Poet and translator
USA
1910

Robert Fitzgerald (1910-1985) was an American poet, translator, and literary critic. He was born in Springfield, Illinois and attended Harvard University, where he studied under renowned poet and critic T.S. Eliot. Fitzgerald’s early poetry was heavily influenced by Eliot’s modernist style.However, Fitzgerald is best known for his translations of classical works, particularly his translations of Homer’s epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey. His translations are highly regarded for their poetic and lyrical quality, and have been praised for their faithfulness to the original texts.In addition to his translations, Fitzgerald also wrote several critical works, including “The Art of Translation” and “The Voice of Poetry in the Conversation of Mankind.” He was a professor of English at Harvard for over 20 years and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.Fitzgerald’s translations and critical works have had a lasting impact on the study and appreciation of classical literature. He is considered one of the greatest translators of the 20th century and his works continue to be widely read and studied today.Read Less

In fact, eloquence in English will inevitably make use of the Latin element in our vocabulary. Feraz Zeid, December 22, 2023, Robert Fitzgerald, Latin, Vocabulary, 0

- Robert Fitzgerald

Poet and translator

· USA

I think that everyone who took part has always been grateful for it. Feraz Zeid, December 22, 2023, Robert Fitzgerald, Grateful, 0

- Robert Fitzgerald

Poet and translator

· USA

Grateful

Robert Fitzgerald Career Highlights

Fitzgerald’s career began in 1932 when he graduated from Harvard University with a degree in English. He then went on to teach at various universities, including Bowdoin College, Sarah Lawrence College, and Princeton University.
In 1934, Fitzgerald published his first book of poetry, “Poems,” which received critical acclaim and established him as a promising young poet.
In 1939, Fitzgerald published his first translation, “The Odyssey” by Homer, which became a bestseller and solidified his reputation as a skilled translator.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Fitzgerald continued to publish translations of ancient Greek and Latin works, including “The Aeneid” by Virgil and “The Oresteia” by Aeschylus.
In 1961, Fitzgerald published his most famous translation, “The Iliad” by Homer, which is considered to be one of the most accurate and poetic translations of the epic poem.
In addition to his translations, Fitzgerald also wrote original poetry, including “Spring Shade: Poems, 1931-1970,” which was published in 1970.
Fitzgerald’s translations and original works have been widely praised for their lyrical and poetic quality, as well as their faithfulness to the original texts.

Key Contributions by Robert Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald’s translations of ancient Greek and Latin literature have been praised for their accuracy and poetic quality, making these classic works more accessible to modern readers.
He was one of the first translators to use a more colloquial and contemporary language in his translations, making them more relatable to readers.
Fitzgerald’s translations have been used in numerous academic settings, including classrooms and scholarly research, further solidifying his impact on the study of classical literature.
He also served as a mentor to many young poets and translators, including Robert Lowell and Sylvia Plath, who were inspired by his work.

What Sets Robert Fitzgerald Apart

Fitzgerald’s translations are known for their poetic and lyrical quality, which sets them apart from other translations that may focus more on literal accuracy.
He was able to capture the essence and spirit of the original texts, making them come alive for modern readers.
Fitzgerald’s deep understanding and appreciation of classical literature, as well as his mastery of the English language, allowed him to create translations that were both faithful to the original works and enjoyable to read.

Takeaways

Robert Fitzgerald’s career highlights and key contributions have solidified his place as one of the most influential translators and poets of the 20th century.
His translations have made ancient Greek and Latin literature more accessible and enjoyable for modern readers, and his impact on the study of classical literature is still felt today.
Fitzgerald’s use of poetic language and his ability to capture the essence of the original texts make his translations stand out and continue to be widely read and studied.

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