Dmitri Peskov

Publication Date

1999

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Birberick, Anne L. (Anne Lynn), 1954-

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures

LCSH

La Fontaine; Jean de; 1621-1695. Fables; La Fontaine; Jean de; 1621-1695.--Translations; French language--Translating

Abstract

This thesis assessed English and Russian translations of La Fontaine?s Fables. A comparative case study approach was used to evaluate translations by Philip Wayne, Christopher Wood, Ivan Krylov, and Nikolai Rogatko. Wayne and Wood were selected in order to demonstrate the difference between a British and an American translator of the Fables. Krylov and Rogatko were selected to show the difference between a line-byline translator and an interpreter of a literary work. The objectives of this comparative study were: (1) to document the differences in content between La Fontaine?s Fables and its translations, (2) to present standards for evaluating good and bad translations, and (3) to show that the process of translation is dependant on the cultural background of the translator. Wood?s and Krylov?s versions of the Fables were the least faithful to the original. However, unlike Wood, Krylov adopted the fables to the cultural background of his audience. Wayne?s and Rogatko?s translations were the most faithful. Unlike Rogatko, Wayne translated not only the plots of the fables but also their rhythmical structures. The ability to translate not only the plot but also the rhythmical form, the aesthetic aspect of the work as well as its impact on the reader, was found to be essential to any good translation of La Fontaine?s poems.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [91]-92)

Extent

92 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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