Talk:Top Girls

Latin translation mainly from Pope Joan

does anybody know the Latin translation mainly from Pope Joan in Act 1? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 80.229.219.47 (talk • contribs) 19:29, 15 April 2006 (UTC)

The following is from the Study guide to the 2003 Top Girls production directed by Casey Stangl at the Guthrie Lab.

Links to Leonard's English translation of De Rerum Natura (Of the nature of things) are here.

--Jtir 20:39, 26 May 2007 (UTC)

Joan’s Latin
Pope Joan’s recitation of the poem De Rerum Natura (Of the Nature of Things), by poet and philosopher
Titus Lucretius Carus, is a personal act of comfort and withdrawal, allowing her to cope with the chaotic
end of the dinner party. One of Lucretius’ favourite themes was philosophy as a private citadel or quiet
refuge. Book Two, which Joan recites, begins with a lyric passage celebrating the “serene sanctuaries”
of philosophy and lamenting the condition of those individuals who struggle without its protective walls.
The poet is the serene spectator looking down on a scene of strife.
The poems and metrical translation by William Ellery Leonard:
http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/l/194o/index.html
Listen to the Latin pronounciation and a discussion of the poem’s meaning at:
http://www.ukans.edu/idea/ under Special Collections

Plot synopsis

I did an extensive rewrite of the plot synopsis section for two reasons: firstly, factual errors; secondly, stylistic concerns. I'm hoping I haven't stepped on any toes; this section was singled out for editing. There seemed to be some confusion as to why people were "visiting" the office in act two, for example,which needed to be clarified. the language in general was a little talky and colloquial so i tried to make it more professional sounding and organize more clearly. content-wise, its not yet complete - I think what's there has been improved, but it still is missing some major points. I'll probably fill that in tomorrow. it's late now. Zweidinge (talk) 04:51, 25 August 2008 (UTC)