Translation of the poem “Le parfum impérissable” by Leconte de Lisle as an intra-Acmeist dialogue

Abstract

The subject of this research is the translations of the Russian poets conducted within the framework of various literary and translation paradigms. Translations of the poem by Leconte de Lisle "Le parfum impérissable" made by I. F. Annensky, N. S. Gumilyov and M. L. Lozinsky (the latter two feature cross corrections). The three translators admired the work of de Lisle; Annensky and Gumilyov borrowed the key images from the poetry of the French author in their original works. Research methodology employs comparative analysis of the original texts and translations, with the elements of hermeneutical and component analysis of the text. The main conclusions consists in determination of the conceptual difference between the creative translation paradigms of the early XX century and such in the context of the publisher “The World Literature”. The translation by I. F. Annensky conducted in 1904 presents liberal and symbolic interpretation of the original: the poet places emphasis on the symbol of the never-dying flavor of eternal love, enclosed in the heart as in a vessel. Translations by N. S. Gumilyov and M. L. Lozinsky are notable by adhering to the original form of the sonnet and conveyance of a broad cultural context: the oriental flavor and image of the aroma-genie-spirit of love enclosed in the heart-vessel described by de Lisle. Most accurate translation of the cultural context was carried out by M. L. Lozinsky, whose version is recognized as final in the manuscript revisions of Leconte de Lisle’s texts.