Clive Maguire

From Resistance to Reverence

Introduction

From resistance to reverence. Unpack the translation journey of Camilo Castelo Branco’s 19th-century Portuguese novel. Explore linguistic challenges, cultural nuance, and theoretical insights for English readers.

Abstract

This article narrates the journey of translating Camilo Castelo Branco’s A Queda dum Anjo into English, from the first reading to the completed work. It recounts the translator’s initial resistance to Camilo’s intricate allusions and stylistic complexities and how this evolved into an appreciation of the humour, satire, and historical richness embedded in his work. The article examines the linguistic and cultural challenges of bringing a nineteenth-century Portuguese novel to an English-speaking audience and reflects on key translation decisions shaped by the theoretical frameworks of Venuti and Newmark. By exploring the balance between fidelity to Camilo’s style and accessibility for a contemporary English readership, it considers the translator’s role in preserving cultural nuance. Ultimately, the translation seeks to introduce English-speaking readers to Camilo’s distinctive voice and the enduring relevance of his social critique within the Portuguese literary canon.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.