What does Burton Raffel attempt to do a poem that he translates?

Burton Raffel is known for his highly literal translations of poetry, particularly epic poems like the *Beowulf* and the *Epic of Gilgamesh*. His primary goal in translation is to capture the essence and meaning of the original text as accurately as possible, even if it means sacrificing some of the artistic qualities that might be more appealing to a modern reader.

Here are some key aspects of his approach:

* Faithful to the source: Raffel prioritizes conveying the original meaning and content, even if it means using unconventional or less poetic language.

* Clarity over beauty: He aims for clarity and directness, striving to make the text accessible to a modern audience without sacrificing its original sense.

* Emphasis on structure: He often attempts to recreate the original poem's structure, including its meter, rhyme scheme, and stanza form, to maintain its form and rhythm.

* Minimal "poetic license": Raffel generally avoids taking liberties with the text, preferring to stay true to the original poet's words and intent.

Some critics have praised Raffel's approach for its fidelity and scholarly rigor, while others have argued that his translations can be too literal and lacking in the poetic beauty of the original. Regardless of one's opinion, Raffel's translations have had a significant impact on the field of translation and have made these important texts accessible to a wider audience.