h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Why is it that I can't understand the plot of something presented in metered verse? I've been trying to read Beowulf and can't work out what happens!

Are you reading Seamus Heaney's new translation? If you are, there's a CD available. Things written in metered verse (most things...somethings...ok, Beowulf) should be listened to , not read. It's the way they've been passed down for hundreds of years and it's the way it really should be experienced. I've read Beo, and I own the CD and believe me, I read the damn book once but the CD I listen to frequently.

My two cents.

Triv

I don't think it's Seamus Heaney's, but it's out of arm's reach at the moment and therefore unavailable. I agree with what you said about listening to it, and tried reading it out to myself. That got worse, because I concentrated more on the meter (which doesn't work properly due to the change from Old English (kindof Dutch) to English).

Thanks though.

Hrm. The new english translation of the old english doesn't stick to strict meter, that's true, but there is a certain swing to it anyway--if translated properly, most lines are divided into couplets that exist in and of themselves and something artistic. If you're into that stuff, there's a wonderful translation of Goethe's "Faust" by Howard Brenton. It's slightly abridged to aide in the performance fo the thing, but it's such a witty version I can't get enough of it. Like "Beo" the meter isn't exact but is still wonderfully complex and very beautiful.

Sorry. Just my opinion, so with it what you will.

Triv

Thanks for allowing me to do what I want with your opinion. It just so happens that I recently purchased and acquired into my posession one of those wastepaper bins with the little basketball hoop/backboard combo atop it, and you've helped me perfect my aim no end.

Only joking. Lots of (non-committal) love,

High Priest Graham Lee of the Sect of the Closed Pursestrings of the Cult of Tiddimus and Tharl.

<>

Silly sarcastic boy. That's gonna get you into trouble with one more serious than me.

Triv (Patron Saint of Merry-Go-Rounds)

Boy? BOY??? I'll have you know that I've been a fully legal man (I can vote and everything) for eight months now. And I still don't know what's supposed to be so good about it.

Anyway, if your comment on my sarcasm refers to my signature as a High Priest of the Cult of Tiddimus and Tharl, I can only refer you to http://www.the-cat-cult.org.uk and ask you to consume your verbage.

getting to the end perhaps,?