ImScared3222
asked:
In the summary of this book, it says "A new, feminist translation". Do the translator's personal views change the narrative of this story? Is this translation more of an opinion piece? I'm asking genuinely - not looking for a fight.
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Terence
I just finished reading the translation & I'd say that Casey is right in that the language regarding Grendel and his mother is a bit more nuanced than simply presenting them a "monsters."
The poem focuses on its traditional protagonist, Beowulf, but Headley's translation tends to focus on the brutal environment & the motivations of the characters. I wouldn't really characterize it as "feminist" just as a version emphasizing elements of the tale sometimes marginalized or forgotten in other versions.
Headley's intro is actually quite good in laying out how she approached the translation & is worth reading even if you don't get to the poem.
The poem focuses on its traditional protagonist, Beowulf, but Headley's translation tends to focus on the brutal environment & the motivations of the characters. I wouldn't really characterize it as "feminist" just as a version emphasizing elements of the tale sometimes marginalized or forgotten in other versions.
Headley's intro is actually quite good in laying out how she approached the translation & is worth reading even if you don't get to the poem.
Casey
It doesn't really change the narrative as far as plot goes; it can be seen more in the word choice especially surrounding the representation of Grendel's mother.
Linda
Definitely not an opinion piece! She worked long and hard on this, and has immersed herself in the Beowulf tradition for years. She previously wrote a novel, The Mere Wife, which *is* a modern retelling, but the translation of the poem is just that - its word choices may be more informed by our modern world, but the storyline is true to the original (or at least, Seamus Heaney's translation, as I cannot read Old English).
Ferus
I'm glad you've decided to read the book. But I think it's worth noting that *every* translator's "personal views change the narrative of the story", especially one as old as Beowulf. Not just in relation to Beowulf, but any translated text is going to have bits of the translator's biases related to word choice and phrasings. Ideally it's minimal, but I think it's always going to be there. And I don't even think it's a bad thing, just a thing to be aware of.
Malachi
It's a very good question and I appreciate the comments below. I put this on my list and then upon reading the summary thought about not reading it. Then this question and comments below make me think it may in fact be worth reading afterall.
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