Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” is a classic novel that has captivated readers for over a century. This article aims to delve into the English translation of the novel, exploring its origins, the translator’s choices, and the impact of the translation on the reader’s understanding of the original ambition.

Origins of the English Translation

“Great Expectations” was first published in monthly installments between December 1860 and August 1861. The novel was an instant success, and it was soon translated into various languages, including French, German, and Italian. The English translation we discuss here is the one that was first published in 1861, which was translated by George Smith.

The Translator’s Approach

George Smith was a well-known translator of the time, and his translation of “Great Expectations” is often considered one of the best. Smith’s approach to translating the novel was to maintain the original meaning and style of Dickens’ writing while ensuring that the language was accessible to English-speaking readers.

Maintaining the Original Meaning

One of the key challenges in translating a novel like “Great Expectations” is to maintain the original meaning of the text. This is particularly difficult when dealing with a work that is rich in symbolism and allusion. Smith succeeded in this by carefully selecting words and phrases that conveyed the same sense as those in the original text.

For example, in the first chapter, Dickens writes, “The shape of my hat was not unlike a truncated cone, and the顶 of it was flattened at the top, so as to enable me to carry a large handkerchief in it.” Smith’s translation reads, “The shape of my hat was not unlike a truncated cone, and the top of it was flattened at the top, so as to enable me to carry a large handkerchief in it.” This translation maintains the original meaning of the text while using language that is familiar to English-speaking readers.

Adapting the Language

While Smith aimed to maintain the original meaning, he also made some adaptations to the language to make it more accessible. For instance, Dickens often uses archaic or regional dialect words, which can be difficult for modern readers to understand. Smith replaced these words with more contemporary equivalents without altering the overall tone of the novel.

For example, in the original text, Dickens writes, “She had a little round face, and a little round mouth, and a little round nose, and very little else.” Smith’s translation reads, “She had a round face, a round mouth, and a round nose, and not much else.” This change makes the text more readable without sacrificing the essence of Dickens’ description.

Impact on the Reader’s Understanding

The English translation of “Great Expectations” has had a significant impact on the reader’s understanding of the novel. By maintaining the original meaning and adapting the language, Smith has allowed readers to experience the novel as closely as possible to what Dickens intended.

Accessible to a Wider Audience

One of the benefits of Smith’s translation is that it has made “Great Expectations” accessible to a wider audience. By using contemporary language, Smith has ensured that readers today can appreciate the novel’s themes and characters without having to struggle with archaic or difficult language.

Preserving Dickens’ Voice

Another important aspect of Smith’s translation is that it preserves Dickens’ voice. The novel’s distinctive style is evident in Smith’s translation, allowing readers to experience the same sense of humor, irony, and pathos that Dickens intended.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the English translation of Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” by George Smith is a testament to the translator’s skill and dedication. By maintaining the original meaning and adapting the language, Smith has allowed readers to rediscover the original ambition of the novel. This translation has played a crucial role in making “Great Expectations” a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers around the world.