Steven Kaplan's book, "Robert Bly and Randall Jarrell as Translators of Rainer Maria Rilke," explores the translation endeavors of prominent American poets Robert Bly and Randall Jarrell, as they bring the works of renowned German poet Rainer Maria Rilke to an English-speaking audience. Kaplan delves into the backgrounds and motivations of both translators, highlighting their unique perspectives and approaches to the task at hand. Through a meticulous analysis of their translations, Kaplan unravels the impact and significance of Bly and Jarrell's work in bringing Rilke's poetry to life for English readers.
Kaplan begins by providing a comprehensive overview of Rainer Maria Rilke's poetic style and the complexities involved in accurately translating his work. He highlights Rilke's influence on Bly and Jarrell, tracing their personal and artistic connections to the German poet. Kaplan then delves into Bly's translation efforts, examining the choices he made and the influence of these choices on the overall representation of Rilke's poetry. He explores the central themes of nature, love, and spirituality in Rilke's work, demonstrating how Bly's translations capture the depth and essence of these themes with remarkable precision.
The focus then shifts to Randall Jarrell's translations, as Kaplan analyzes his distinctive approach and sheds light on the nuances and challenges he encountered throughout the process. Kaplan explores Jarrell's poetic sensibilities and his ability to convey Rilke's emotional intensity while maintaining clarity and resonance in the English language. He emphasizes Jarrell's skillful balance between fidelity to the original text and the need to engage an English-speaking audience.
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Throughout his analysis, Kaplan provides numerous examples and comparisons between Bly and Jarrell's translations, showcasing the individual voices and perspectives of each translator. He underscores the importance of understanding translation as a creative act, emphasizing how Bly and Jarrell's interpretations contribute to the overall understanding and appreciation of Rilke's artistry.
In conclusion, Steven Kaplan's book offers a comprehensive study of the translation efforts of Robert Bly and Randall Jarrell. Through his examination of their respective approaches and his insightful analysis of their translations, Kaplan makes a valuable contribution to the understanding and appreciation of Rilke's poetry for English-speaking readers.
What are readers saying?
"Robert Bly and Randall Jarrell as Translators of Rainer Maria Rilke" by Steven Kaplan has garnered diverse feedback from readers. Some laud the book for its insightful and well-researched content, viewing it as a valuable resource for those interested in translation and Rainer Maria Rilke's works. However, others express disappointment, feeling that the book lacks depth and coherence.
Many reviewers commend Kaplan's extensive research and his in-depth knowledge of Rilke and the translators, Robert Bly and Randall Jarrell. They find the book informative, shedding light on the translation process and the challenges faced by Bly and Jarrell when rendering Rilke's work into English. Readers appreciate the historical context provided and believe that Kaplan's analysis enhances their understanding of the significance of translation in literature.
Conversely, some reviewers opine that the book lacks focus and structure. They find Kaplan's writing style dense, making it challenging to comprehend his arguments and analysis. Some readers also express disappointment with the limited exploration of Rilke's poetry itself, as they had hoped for more comprehensive discussions and interpretations.
A few readers note that the book could benefit from greater clarity and organization. They suggest that Kaplan provide more examples and further elaborate on specific points to strengthen his arguments. Some also mention that the book feels overly academic and may not be accessible to casual readers seeking an enjoyable and engaging experience.
In conclusion, "Robert Bly and Randall Jarrell as Translators of Rainer Maria Rilke" offers valuable insights into the translation process and the challenges faced by Bly and Jarrell. While some readers appreciate Kaplan's extensive research and analysis, others find the book lacking in depth and structure. It may be a worthwhile read for those specifically interested in translation and Rilke's work, but it may not be as accessible to casual readers.
RilkeTranslation BlyAndJarrell LiteraryTranslators