How Long to Read Theocritus in English Literature

How Long Does it Take to Read Theocritus in English Literature?

It takes the average reader 3 hours and 41 minutes to read Theocritus in English Literature by Robert Thomas Kerlin

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

THIS is a unique and thorough going investigation into the influence of Theocritus upon English literature. The author has treated all notices, imitations, comments, translations or paraphrases of Theocritus, from the earliest, in Skelton (1523), down to 1906. It is much more than a mere list that he gives us; the running comment and evaluation makes it very interesting reading. He deals with such topics as pastoral poetry. Theocritus's place in the world's literature, pastoral drama, piscatory and town eclogues, down through the recognized periods of literature in England, and ends with a chapter on Theocritus in America. Appendices, bibliography, and index complete the volume. Interesting is a quotation (p. 82) from a letter of Anna Seward to Richard Polwhele, Dec. 27, 1785; she says she should as soon "expect a roast phenix for dinner, as that fifty people in this nation would willingly purchase a new translation of writers so little known as either Horace or Theocritus". Until recently, Theocritus has never been widely known, or often translated; Dr. Kerlin gives this summary of translations by centuries (p. 167): "Sixteenth: 1 author, 6 versions [= Idyls], Seventeenth: 6 authors, 15 versions. Eighteenth: 12 authors, 14 versions. Nineteenth: 19 authors, 49 versions. The numerous translations of passages into sonnets, pictures, etc., occur in the last century". Idyl 19 (Love's Theft of Honey) has been translated oftener than any other, eleven times (yet it probably is not by Theocritus himself); next comes Idyl 11 (The Cyclops in Love), eight times; then Idyl 2 (Simaetha's Incantations), six versions.' Idyls 15 (The Syracusan Women) and 21 (The Fishermen—non-Theocritean) have five versions each—of course outside of translations of the whole of Theocritus. Noteworthy are the results from the Victorian era, considering the scant influence Theocritus exercised earlier: "The frequency with which the name of Theocritus occurs in verse during the period, the large number of poems addressed to him, the two prose and the two verse translations, besides numerous partial versions, and the traces of his mode of expression in much of the best poetry of the time, together with the fresh and appreciative essays on his genius, testify that Theocritus has come at last to be a really considerable force in English literature" (p. 139). Similarly, for America (p. 165): "The younger American singers, whatever their merits, have paid more tributes to Theocritus than to any other ancient poet.... There is in much of their verse the lilt of true song, the throb of joy, the melody of self-prompted singing... The best of these have tried to imitate his realism, and to catch his simple graces". We are grateful that the author has quoted freely from many of the recent verses dedicated to Theocritus by Englishmen and Americans alike. Wilde's Villanelle and Dobson's (1880) are given entire; also Langhorne's Theocritus! Theocritus! what pleasant dreams were thine (1846); Lang's To Theocritus in Winter (1879); Egan's Sonnet (1880); Gosse's The Poplars and the Ancient Elms (1880); McCarthy's Sonnet (to Calverley, 1884); Lewissohn's In Sicily (1906). This bringing together, in this connection, of widely scattered verse, is delightful. — Classical Weekly

How long is Theocritus in English Literature?

Theocritus in English Literature by Robert Thomas Kerlin is 216 pages long, and a total of 55,296 words.

This makes it 73% the length of the average book. It also has 68% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Theocritus in English Literature Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 5 hours and 2 minutes to read Theocritus in English Literature aloud.

What Reading Level is Theocritus in English Literature?

Theocritus in English Literature is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Theocritus in English Literature?

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