I have made a very rude translation of the Seven against…
“I have made a very rude translation of the Seven against Thebes, and Pindar too I have looked at, and wish he was better worth translating. I believe even the best things are not equal to their fame. Perhaps it would be better to translate fame itself,--or is not that what the poets themselves do? However, I have not done with Pindar yet.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Fame often exceeds the quality of the work it celebrates; translating fame itself may be more honest than translating the work.
In simple terms: Fame can be bigger than the art; sometimes translating fame is better.
Key Takeaway
Question the value of fame versus substance.
Themes
art
fame
translation
criticism
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- publishing
- academic study
- media analysis
Key Concepts
authenticity
perception
literary value
Questions to Reflect On
- Is fame a reliable measure of quality?
- How should we treat celebrated works?
A Different Perspective
Fame can distort true merit.