Translation Explanatory Synthesis Essay

When translating text, the primary aim of the author is to change the context of the text to another language without altering the content of the text. Translation necessitates that the author presents his source of information precisely as it is on the text of reference.

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Nonetheless, it is possible that the translated text has a different meaning from the original text despite featuring the same topic. Beowulf, an old English literature text initially written in Anglo- Saxon has been translated into multiple languages (Stephen, 23). In the various translations, there are several differences with the original version. Among the many translations is that of Seamus Heaney. Thus, the purpose of this essay is to compare the original Anglo-Saxon Beowulf version, with that by Seamus Heaney.

In both the original version and that of Seamus Heaney, the story of Beowulf is the same. It is set in Scandinavia and revolves around the life of Beowulf, the hero of Geats. Beowulf helps Hrothgar, the king of Danes to protect his people. He slays Grendel the invisible monster and later his mother, and rescues the people of Heorot (Tolkien, 47). Afterward, he defeats a dragon but is severely wounded and eventually dies. Thu, this means that despite the translation, Seamus retains the storyline of the text. However, there are slight differences between the two.

In the Anglo Saxon version, Beowulf is exclusively written in the form of a poem. However, in Seamus translation, the text is in both a poem and prose form. He tactfully uses both styles of writing in a way that the prose is used to explain some scenes or incidences. It is also used to add additional information on the characters, and the occurrence took place. Poetry is then used in the main content of the text (Tolkien, 106). Also, the author has included several abbreviations in his translation leading to some sections of the original version being remarkably shortened while others were omitted. In the same context, Seamus added his information to the text which resulted in the differences with the original version (Saki, 77). Nonetheless, Seamus ensured that his story maintained a consistent and transparent flow with the original translation of Beowulf.

Also, in the Anglo- Saxon version, Beowulf is portrayed as a cold-hearted hero whose only role in the poem is to kill. In fact, in the text, Beowulf is said to slay Grendel. Thus, his traits in verse are limited to merely being a brutal man who killed a monster (Saki, 74). However, in Seamus's version, Beowulf is more than a battledress. He is depicted as a peacemaker, a man who is genuinely concerned about people, a selfless man who seeks to relieve people from their trouble; a hero (Tolkien, 124). After he returns to his home country, people did not only make him king because he killed Grendel and his mother but because he was a peacemaker. Beowulf also proved to be a real peacemaker and a good leader for he led his people to greatness for many years while still maintaining peace (Niles, 96).

In the same context, Seamus maintains the heroic role of Beowulf throughout the whole poem. He portrays him as a real critique of hostilities and fratricide. It is evident in the humble manner in which Beowulf introduces himself to the guards of King Hrothgar. He not only requests the king's permission to get into the palace but also starts by sending greetings to him. He begins by greeting the king Beowulf is also explained a powerful and courageous man. He describes himself as 'the man whose name is known for courage. (Stephen, 65). Additionally, it is said that the guards recognized the nobility of Beowulf before leading him to Heorot.

Also, in Seamus text, he gives a more in-depth introduction to his poem. Seamus skillfully and vividly explains Scandinavia was creating a perfect image in the mind of the reader. Thus, this makes his version of Beowulf more exciting and lively than the Anglo-Saxon version. Additionally, Seamus uses more poetic stylistic devices and language than the original version (Niles, 108). He still manages to keep his work dull and clear. This is unlike the original version which uses the Anglo-Saxon language which is somewhat complicated and hard to understand. Therefore, together with the new percept keeps his work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Beowulf is one of the oldest English texts that have remained alive until today. The text is rejuvenated by the presence of various translations which has enabled more people to read it. Among the different interpretations is that of Seamus Heaney. Seamus perfectly explains translates the plot of the story in his version to match the original Anglo-Saxon text. However, his version of the text has several differences from the original version. Seamus involves prose written in his poetry, shortens some books and adds some information. Most importantly, he redefines the hero of the story of Beowulf. The skillful use of poetry and the precise use of language makes his work a masterpiece.

Works Cited

Stephen Mitchell. Beowulf. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2017.264 Pages

Tolkien, John Ronald Reuel. Beowulf. WWF Martins Fontes, 2015. 448 Pages.

Niles, John D., ed. Beowulf: An Illustrated Edition. New York, NY: WW Norton & Company, 2008. 228Pages.

Saki, Mohamed. "Hermeneutics, translation and paratext: a case study of the preface to the translation of Beowulf by Seamus Heaney." The Third Symposium on Hermeneutical translation. 2016. 123 Pages.