8/14/2019 Cyrano de Bergerac Translation Comparison

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Eamon Barkhordarian9/6/09

Period CMoyer

Cyrano Translation ComparisonThere are three specific differences between the Brian Hooker and Anthony Burgess

translations of Cyrano de Bergerac . First of all, Anthony Burgesss version of Cyranos long

speech actually rhymes, which is pretty impressive considering the length of his speech and the

point he is trying to get across. Secondly, Brian Hookers version is much more simple and

easier to understand than Burgesss version. And lastly, while Anthony Burgesss poem is more

consistent with its rhymes, Brian Hookers version is more consistent with its word structure.

The first major difference between the two translations is Anthony Burgesss version

actually rhymes. The entire speech Cyrano tells Le Bret is rhymed every two lines in a consistent

format. And the surprising thing is he still brings Cyranos point across even though Burgess

rhymed it so perfectly. This is pretty impressive given this is the translation of a book. (* Given

the original book also rhymed). No translation can maintain the original languages rhymes, so

Burgesss must have taken a considerable amount of time to maintain the books rhyme and still

get the same point across that the original French version had.

Secondly, and not to much surprise, Brian Hookers version is much easier to understand

in comparison to Burgesss poem. When you try to rhyme a poem, you are very limited to which

words you can use to describe what you are trying to express. In Brian Hookers case though, he

did not have to worry about the limitation of rhyming, and as a result made his point much easier

for the reader to understand. He didnt use such complex words as Anthony, and used much

more detail in his writing and not as much confusing symbolism.

Lastly, it is very apparent that the structures of the two authors writing differ greatly. As I

explained before, Burgess is very consistent with his rhymes in a constant 2 line format. Hooker,

8/14/2019 Cyrano de Bergerac Translation Comparison

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Eamon Barkhordarian9/6/09

Period CMoyer

on the other hand, structures his words better. For example, throughout Cyranos long speech, he

always writes no thank you! In Burgesss case, he alternates from no thank you to no

thanks to thank you, no. Although this difference doesnt seem too big in the comparison, it isa very noticeable difference between the two translators interpretations.

In the end, I would definitely choose Hookers translation more than Burgesss version.

Although his speech is not as entertaining with the rhymes and symbolism, it definitely is a lot

easier to understand. I believe I would have difficulty understanding Burgesss translation had I

not had the guidance of Hookers version prior to reading Burgesss version. I would choose to

understand a book more than to enjoy it, because you cant enjoy a book you dont understand it

in the first place.