Have always wondered about this. This is such an enormously famous quote although the exact choice of words has always perplexed me. Initially figured it is an artifact of translation, but then, wouldn’t you translate it into the new language in a way that is grammatical? Or maybe there is some intention behind this weird phrasing that is just lost on me? I’m not a linguist so eli5
In: 1806
The phrase “I am become death, the destroyer of worlds” is famous because it comes from Robert Oppenheimer, who led the development of the first atomic bomb. However, the phrasing is intentionally somewhat odd and poetic.
Some key points:
1) “I am become” is actually grammatically correct English, though archaic. It means “I have become”. Oppenheimer was quoting from an ancient Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita, so the phrasing is reflecting that. Translating it literally may have lost that poetic effect.
2) “Death” and “destroyer of worlds” are being used metaphorically here to refer to the immense destructive power of nuclear weapons.
3) The odd placement of “death” as a noun modifier is for emphasis and poetic effect. It suggests how Oppenheimer felt like he had created something as powerful as death itself.
4) There is a sense of irony and dread in the quote, as if Oppenheimer is astonished and horrified by what he has created. The unusual phrasing highlights how he has crossed a line into something unimaginably terrible.
5) The quote has endured because it so vividly captures the sobering realization of creating a weapon of such immense, civilization-threatening power. The poetic language packs a punch.
So in short, the quote is intentionally obscure and eerie to highlight the profound significance and dread of that moment. The awkward grammar focuses our attention and leaves a haunting impression. Does this help explain the meaning and intention behind the famous yet peculiar phrase? Let me know if you have any other questions!
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