Notes on Metrical and Deictical Problems in Shakespeare Translation

Abstract

Taking examples from Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It and Hamlet, Clas Zilliacus gives practical evidence of the degree of difficulty in a translation into Swedish which can claim to be similar to the source. Both syntactic and metrical problems are involved, added to which is the difference between Swedish and English blank verse. The deictical function (referral, indication, reference) is dealt with separately. How, for example, should the difference between “you” and “thou” be treated in a translation to a language which does not have corresponding forms? This may be a very important issue in a translation. Hamlet first says “you” to Horatio but he dies saying “thou”. This kind of difference in language may be used with powerful dramatic effect.