Four Stories by Luise Rinser: Translation with Commentary

Abstract

<p>The work of Luise Rinser, one of the most prolific post-war German writers, is the focus of this thesis. Translations are offered of four stories from her collection entitled Geschichten aus der Löwengrube: Acht Erzählungen: Munjo, The Poet; As in a Mirror; Jacob's Struggle; and Applied Physics. Chapter One contains a biographical sketch of the author, showing how her life, from its beginning until her release from prison at the end of the war, has had a determining effect on both her writing and her political views and involvement. The remainder of the first chapter consists of introductions to the stories, relating them to Rinser's views and philosophy. A young woman seeks personal liberation from the dictates and comforts of her upbringing. An older man, disgusted with the capitalist system of which he is part, allies himself with young environmentalists. A middle-aged woman experiences God in an unusual way and seeks validation of her experience from people trapped by religious orthodoxy. A Gypsy boy seeks deliverance from society's prejudices and stereotypes. Following the actual translations of the stories, the final chapter highlights the problems encountered in the translation process and the proposed solutions to those problems. The most general issues include: the variations in style and register across the four stories; translating colloquial and technical language; reflecting the sentence and paragraph structure of the original text. I found this project extremely useful, acquainting me with the work and character of Luise Rinser, whose writings have thus far received too little exposure in the English-speaking world. The project has also brought into focus for me several major issues facing translators. Translating a number of short works in varying styles has made me a more flexible translator, more open to consideration of different approaches to the task.</p>