On Translations of Hlapec Jernej in njegova pravica: "Religious" Elements in the English and Russian Versions

Abstract

This article discusses two extant English translations of Ivan Cankarʹs Hlapec Jernej in njegova pravica (by Adamič and by Jeras-Guinot & Grant) and three Russian translations (by Šerementʹev, by Ohrimenko, and by Urban), with reference to their treatment of the crucial contrast in the story between" the "divine" and "the earthly". First, Orhimenko's version is considered: it is not a translation of Cankarʹs original, but of Adamič's translation; it omits nearly all the religious elements in the original, but is inconsistent in this respect. The religious elements of the original are grouped in five categories for analyses, and the five texts are analyzed; far-reaching differences among the five translations are demonstrated. The two previous assesments of Adamič's "adaptation" of this story are reviewed. It is suggested that the difference among the Russian versions correspond to the degree of anti-religious Soviet propaganda current at tthe times of their publication.