The reception process of a literary work – especially a very popular one – can be seen as a scientific subject absolutely worth focusing on in an academic course. This paper tries to contribute to the analysis of Jonathan Swift’s reception on the continental book market by concentrating on the relation between a widespread French translation of Gulliver’s Travels and the original English work. In this context, one has to be aware of the fact that there are two translations of Swift’s work in 18th century France, an anonymous one published at The Hague in January 1727 and a more widespread version (with a record of 180 editions in the 1920s) translated by Desfontaines in April 1727. This paper concentrates on the Desfontaines’s version of Gulliver’s Travels, not only because of its higher popularity in general, but also due to its character as a “belle infidèle” . On the one hand, it will be the author’s aim to give some general information on the Abbé’s version. In this context, not only literature on the topic, but also the correspondence between Swift and his infidel translator are relevant aspects. On the other hand, the comparative analysis of a few passages concerning child-raising shall concretely exemplify Desfontaines’s intentions.
Table of Contents
I.Introduction
II. Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels and Desfontaines’s ‘belle infidèle’
III.Conclusion
Objectives & Research Focus
This academic paper examines the reception of Jonathan Swift’s "Gulliver’s Travels" on the 18th-century continental book market, specifically focusing on the relationship between the original English work and the French translation by Pierre-François Guyot Desfontaines. The research explores why Desfontaines's version became a "belle infidèle" (a "beautiful but unfaithful" translation) and analyzes how his modifications reflect the cultural tensions and subjective translation standards of the time.
- The role and professional background of the translator Pierre-François Guyot Desfontaines.
- The concept of "belle infidèle" in 18th-century French literary translation.
- The correspondence between Jonathan Swift and Desfontaines regarding translational fidelity.
- Comparative analysis of selected passages concerning child-raising in Lilliput to demonstrate stylistic and ideological adjustments.
Excerpt from the Book
II. Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels and Desfontaines’s ‘belle infidèle’
In order to understand Desfontaines’s translation of Gulliver’s Travels adequately, some background knowledge on its author is indispensable. Pierre-François Guyot Desfontaines (1685-1745), a member of the Company of Jesus from 1700-1715, starts his career as famous translator and polemicist with the translation of the Psalms (1717). Only a few years later, the former Jesuit acts as the editor of the ‘Journal des Savants’ (1724-1727), which can be regarded as the oldest literary journal published in Europe. Besides his position as editor of this widely known journal, it may be his polemical dynamic way of writing that lastly makes Desfontaines popular and known with a distinguished European readership. Since the Abbé is said to have never set foot on British soil, his opinion about Britain is influenced by the 18th century French society. These circumstances also establish Desfontaines’s attitudes as a typical French enlightenment thinker owing his “endeavour to open to foreign literatures while clinging to the values and ideological tenets of the preceding neoclassical age, with its strong belief in universal reason and sway”. According to these facts, the Abbé’s questionable way of translating the English original may become understandable: Rather than focusing on reliability, Desfontaines tries to match the ‘bon goût français’, which – so his reproach – he cannot find in the original work.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the study, which is the analysis of the reception of Swift's work in 18th-century France, specifically focusing on Desfontaines’s popular but unfaithful translation.
II. Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels and Desfontaines’s ‘belle infidèle’: This section details the translator's professional background, his ideological motivations for modifying the text, and provides a comparative analysis of his correspondence with Swift and specific text passages.
III. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes that the translation process is inherently subjective and that Desfontaines's work serves as a prime example of the complexities and potential conflicts between original authors and their translators.
Keywords
Jonathan Swift, Gulliver’s Travels, Desfontaines, belle infidèle, translation, literary reception, 18th century, French enlightenment, bon goût, correspondence, literary criticism, child-raising, cross-cultural, authorship, literary translation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental topic of this paper?
The paper deals with the reception of Jonathan Swift’s "Gulliver’s Travels" in 18th-century France, centering on the translation by Pierre-François Guyot Desfontaines.
What are the central themes of the work?
The central themes include the translational conflict between fidelity and cultural adaptation, the role of 18th-century French "good taste" (bon goût), and the author-translator power dynamic.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The goal is to analyze why and how Desfontaines modified the original English text to suit the expectations of his French readership, characterizing his work as a "belle infidèle."
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The author uses a combination of literature review, analysis of historical correspondence between Swift and Desfontaines, and a comparative textual analysis of specific passages.
What is covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body examines Desfontaines's background as a Jesuit and editor, his self-justification for adapting the text, and a direct comparison of selected excerpts regarding social themes in "Gulliver’s Travels."
What are the defining keywords of the study?
The work is characterized by terms such as "belle infidèle," "translation," "reception," "Desfontaines," "Swift," "bon goût," and "18th century."
How does Desfontaines justify his modifications in his correspondence?
Desfontaines argues that different nations have different tastes and that his changes were necessary to make the work palatable and usable for a distinguished French audience.
How does Swift react to the modifications of his work?
Swift displays a mix of sharp irony and fury, rejecting the translator's argument that national differences justify the mutilation of his text and asserting the universality of human vices and follies.
What specific example of modification is analyzed in the text?
The author analyzes passages concerning the child-raising of the Lilliputians, where Desfontaines consistently removes or softens descriptions that he deems inappropriate or unflattering for French society.
- Arbeit zitieren
- B.A. Mark Valentin (Autor:in), 2011, Jonathan Swift and His Infidel Translator Desfontaines , München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/167983
