Poet and Dante translator Mary Jo Bang discusses the challenges and joys of translating Purgatorio. Topics include the emotional evolution of Dante's character, the relevance of Dante's poetry in the modern world, analyzing character voices in the poem, and contemplating tackling the translation of Paradiso.
Translating Dante's Purgatorio involves balancing historical accuracy with emotional connection.
Capturing character voices is crucial for enriching translations and bringing characters to life.
Deep dives
Mary Jo Bang's Translation Journey with Dante's Purgatorio
Mary Jo Bang, a renowned translator, recounts her translation journey with Dante's Purgatorio. Inspired by a found poem of the Inferno, she decided to undertake the challenge of translating the entire Divine Comedy. Intrigued by the interplay of translations and the freedom translators can have, she embarked on the Purgatorio after the Inferno.
Challenges of Detailed Translations
Mary Jo Bang discusses the challenges of detailed translations, especially diving into the notes for each canto. She highlights the intricate process of balancing translation liberties with historical accuracy and emotional connection. Researching mythological references, language nuances, and character voices adds depth and authenticity to the translation.
Character Delineation and Voice in Translation
Exploring the significance of character voices, Mary Jo Bang emphasizes the importance of capturing individuality through speech in her translations. Each character's unique voice, attitudes, and tones contribute to their depth and realism. By focusing on dialogue nuances, she brings the characters to life and enriches the reader's experience.
Reflecting on Influences of Dante in Personal Work
Mary Jo Bang reflects on how translating Dante influenced her own poetry. She aims to achieve a balance of clarity, narrative, and rhetorical depth, inspired by Dante's ability to incorporate ideas effectively. This experience reshapes her approach to poetry, pushing her towards achieving multifaceted poetic expression and challenging conventions in her work.
Mary Jo Bang joins Kevin Young to to discuss her translation of Dante’s Purgatorio, excerpts of which are featured on newyorker.com. Bang is a poet who has received the National Book Critics Circle Award, a Hodder Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and a Berlin Prize Fellowship. Her latest book is “A Doll for Throwing.”