Dostoevsky as a Translator of Balzac

This study analyzes Dostoevskys first literary publication, his 1844 translation of Balzacs Eugénie Grandet, and the stylistic choices he made as a young writer. It demonstrates how the translation predicts the creation of Dostoevsky's literary characters, themes, and signature style, and investigates the changes he made while working on the text.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: Academic Studies Press

This study in comparative criticism delves into a close analysis of Dostoevskys inaugural literary publication, his 1844 translation of Balzac's Eugénie Grandet (1834). Through the lens of meticulous close reading, the author explores Dostoevsky's literary debut within the context of his later mature aesthetic style and poetics. By comparing the original and the translated versions side by side, this book highlights the omissions, additions, and substitutions that Dostoevsky introduced into the text. It showcases how Dostoevsky's free translation of Eugénie Grandet anticipates the creation of his own literary characters, themes, and other distinctive elements that are now recognized as hallmarks of his literary output. Furthermore, it delves into the intricate process of transplantation, where Balzac's imagery, motifs, and character portraiture are seamlessly integrated into Dostoevsky's own writing, resulting in a rich and complex interplay between the two authors. This study sheds light on Dostoevsky's artistic development and his profound influence on the literary landscape, offering a fresh perspective on his literary genius.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644697795