At 18, I started studying seriously, feeling behind my peers and needing to catch up, which led to isolation. During the three years I spent preparing for university entrance exams, I struggled with feelings of loneliness and illness stemming from my isolation. Passing the exam left me wondering, “What do I want to do?” Once it was over, a period of aimlessness began.
My struggle with social interactions, due to long periods of solitude, became a challenge in college. Shortly after starting, I took a leave of absence and returned home from campus to be with my family. During that time of despair, I began reading classic literature purchased in bookstores. At home, I deeply delved into these books, absorbing the emotions they provide, which often bring comfort, although some add to my despair.
So, when asked why I prefer classic literature over contemporary works, my answer is, “because it helps me develop empathy.” I often feel burdened by my emotions, seeking acknowledgment from others who have felt the same and reassured by their past experiences. During my exam and leave periods, there were moments when I felt that certain classics were written specifically for my comfort. This deep sense of empathy and understanding is a unique gift of classic literature.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said about his work, The Sorrows of Young Werther, “It is a misfortune if there is not a moment in life when this book feels as if it were written only for oneself.” There were times during my exams and leave periods when I felt certain classics were written just to comfort me. After reading Goethe’s words, I hoped others would also find empathy and comfort in classic literature.
Every visit to a bookstore reveals classics presented as mini-books or illustrated stories, enhancing accessibility for readers. Seeing these works frequently and easily gives me a sense of relief that the classics’ legacy will continue. However, in my personal experience, the translation of classic works can sometimes hinder reading motivation.
One disappointing translation for me was Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. I purchased a mini-book edition for its affordability and convenience. Translating classics, unlike contemporary foreign literature, requires extensive footnotes to explain historical contexts, as literal translations can lead to misunderstandings. A translator must deeply understand the original texts and their subtleties.
However, publishers sometimes neglect these needs, resulting in “poor” translations that disappoint readers. My first experience with Oedipus Rex lacked the necessary background details, leading me to put the book aside. It was only after finding a translation that properly contextualized the characters’ trials that I truly appreciated the story.
Currently, Korea shows low interest and readership in classic literature. We could address the situation to prevent poor translations from further reducing readers’ motivation and interest in reading. As someone who has received emotional benefits from classic works, I hope others will also experience the empathy found in these texts. To foster a more sustained experience of empathy, I hope the quality of translations can be enhanced to include more details, too.