I expect that the translator, being an expert user of multiple languages[1], was very aware of all the surface-level meanings of the language (and many others b

I expect that the translator, being an expert user of multiple languages[1], was very aware of all the surface-level meanings of the language (and many others besides), and made many complex and well-thought-through compromises, as is always necessary when translating (not to mention regular writing). 1. To which I can personally attest, as I own emily wilson's odyssey—it is excellent.