Joining the Sapphic Tradition: A Contemporary Approach to Translating Sappho and Catullus

Abstract

This project explores the accessibility and emotional resonance of ancient lyric poetry by creatively reimagining selected works of Sappho and Catullus through the integration of slang. Beginning with my personal discovery of Sappho in high school and later academic encounters with both poets, I trace the development of my interest from an informal, online fascination to formal research, while also recognizing how many existing resources felt outdated, inaccessible, or disconnected from a modern audience. After providing substantial background information on the two poets, I examine their popular culture presence before moving to similarities between their work, focusing primarily on Catullus\u27 Lesbia poems as a continuation of the Sapphic tradition. Finally, I describe my process of translating, where I created direct translations in addition to a selection of translations replete with contemporary slang to enhance relatability for a 2025 audience. As a result, beyond their ability to elucidate and perpetuate a “Sapphic tradition”, I intend these creative translations to foster a renewed relationship with classical texts and spark interest in Classics, my own future students included. This study also opens pathways for future research, including extending similar methods to other poets\u27 works and evolving popular culture platforms