What Is an Identical Translation? The Legacy of Goethe's Discussion in the West-östlicher Divan. (1st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beebee, Thomas O.
• Is Part Of: Publications of the English Goethe Society. Volume 89:Number 2/3(2020)
• Page Start: 223
• Page End: 237
• Publication Date: 2020-09-01
• Subjects: translation -- identicality -- Walter Benjamin -- George Steiner -- Douglas Robinson -- West-östlicher Divan; German literature -- 18th century -- History and criticism -- Periodicals; German literature -- 19th century -- History and criticism -- Periodicals; Criticism and interpretation -- Periodicals; 830.9006
• DOI: 10.1080/09593683.2020.1829262
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3683

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Goethe's brief discussion of translation in the Noten and Abhandlungen to the Divan has been one of the most widely read and interpreted parts of its prose commentary section. Goethe's three epochs of translation culminate in translations that are 'identisch' with the original. This essay explains what identicality can mean in the realm of translation, including how some of Goethe's major interpreters in translation studies have understood his comments.