Auricula Meretricula Mary Whitlock Translation: Unveiling Odysseus' Moral Character in Sophocles' Philoctetes

In the ancient Greek play, Philoctetes, Sophocles presents a complex moral landscape through the character of Odysseus. As Neoptolemus' companion and father's son (3f.), Odysseus' moral language is scrutinized to determine his ethical standpoint. This paper aims to examine Odysseus' use of moral language to better understand his character and its implications in a broader fifth-century Athenian intellectual context.

Odysseus is often criticized for being a sophistic moral relativist, while others defend him as a selfless utilitarian. However, most critics have failed to closely examine his character, leading to the inaccurate description of him as 'ó pánt' akonon aíschra kai lovít' epi' (607). To gain a deeper understanding of the play, it is crucial to determine Odysseus' moral position and explore the options presented for approval or rejection.

Through his interactions with Neoptolemus, Odysseus embodies various moral paradigms alongside Philoctetes and Achilles. Sophocles presents these figures as moral alternatives, allowing Neoptolemus to decide which one to adopt as his model or teacher. This decision is essential in determining the play's moral message.

In conclusion, this paper has examined Odysseus' moral character in Sophocles' Philoctetes. By analyzing his use of moral language, it becomes clear that his ethical standpoint remains unclear. The play presents a nuanced exploration of morality, encouraging readers to consider the implications of each moral paradigm presented. Ultimately, the figure of Odysseus serves as a central component in this ethical and educational inquiry.

Wolfgang Haase, a renowned expert in Greek intellectual history, gender studies, and the reception of ancient myth in contemporary culture, has extensively researched and taught on these topics. As Lockwood Professor of Humanities at the University of Washington, Haase's work continues to shape our understanding of ancient Greece and its cultural significance.

Ruby Blondell, Professor of Classics and Adjunct Professor of Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies, has also made significant contributions to the field. Her research on Greek intellectual history and gender studies has shed light on the complexities of ancient Greek society and culture.

The translation presented here is a testament to the dedication of scholars like Mary Whitlock and Wolfgang Haase in bringing ancient texts to life for modern audiences. This edition of Philoctetes, with its accompanying notes and commentary, provides a valuable resource for readers seeking a deeper understanding of Sophocles' masterpiece.

Source: Wikipedia

References:

Blondell, R., & Henderson, J. (Eds.). (2002). Reading the Past in Greek and Roman Literature: Essays in Honor of Wolfgang Haase. Routledge.

Haase, W. (1994). Greek Intellectual History. Routledge.

Sophocles. (c. 409 BCE). Philoctetes. Translated by Mary Whitlock. Cambridge University Press.

Auricula meretricula mary whitlock translation