V.S. Solovyov as a Translator of Dante (on Two Translations from “Vita Nuova”)

Abstract

This article examines two poetic translations of Dante Alighieri’s “Vita Nuova” by V.S. Solovyov. At the present time, Solovyov’s specific experiments of translation are merely considered in the field of literary studies, although a general assessment of them has been given in the past by scholars such as A.F. Losev, Z.G. Mints, T.F. Teperik, A.A. Asoyan and others. The logic underlying the selection of the translated materials might indicate a special attitude of Solovyov in choosing names and works, which are significant for the understanding and realization of the poetry tasks. The author of this article demonstrates that such was the name of Dante Alighieri, which embodied a special myth concerning the spiritual transformation of man through one’s love for a woman. This myth was in harmony with the concept of art, as the latter is reflected in many works of the philosopher. The author also proves that Solovyov, who knew Italian language quite well, translates Dante's sonnets rather freely: in this way, he is able to keep the ideological content of the original text while also offering a different Russian translation. The specific character of Solovyov’s translations is here considered in comparison with the three other translations of the same sonnets made by the professional linguists and translators: M.I. Liverovskaya, A.M. Efros, and I.N. Golenischev-Kutuzov. The author maintains that the distinctive “Italian” canon of the sonnet genre is preserved in Solovyov's translation: this fact would demonstrate the philosopher’s adherence to the European poetic tradition. The article finally analyzes V. Solovyov’s translations from the point of view of their connection with his corpus of lyrical poems. In conclusion, the author sums up the basic principles of V.S. Solovyov’s translation work and clarifies the nature of the dialogical connection between his poetic heritage and Dante’s lyrics.