Welcome to my newest readers, fellow bibliophiles, and educators!
When I first taught Moliere’s comedy Tartuffe years ago, my students and I were equally delighted by the work of American translator and poet, Richard Wilbur. Surely Moliere’s magnificent work in French rhyme was not negated by Wilbur’s efforts. In English, Wilbur’s simple couplets capture the humor, sass, and wit of the stage play. At least I like to think so.
But I am at odds. I don’t know French. I may have taught Tartuffe fifteen times, but I don’t know the original. I do know the feel and experience of the play through the words of Pulitzer prize-winning Wilbur. My trust in Richard Wilbur as translator is implicit, so how would I know if he misrepresented something?
That same thought is part of the very first chapter of my book proposal. Translation in the Bible could be a vital key. [If you’re new to my letter, I am honing the idea that our life in Christ is like the tenacity of the sycamore fig tree and how its fruit comes to maturity. Read more at A Birth Announcement.]
At the moment, Chapter 1 is titled, “Consider the Trees: A Key.” I argue that Jotham’s parable of the trees in the book of Judges provides a key to understanding the literal need for particular trees along with a metaphorical need that deepens its spiritual meaning. It all comes down to one word: bramble. What if that word is actually a different tree?
According to the parable, this tree, this atad (Hebrew), had to be large. Its height and shade had to surpass those of the olive, fig, and grapevine. It had to be fruit bearing. As for fire, it must ignite easily and burn fiercely so that it would threaten those around it. How could it be a thorn bush then and still represent Abimelech in Judges 9?
This is what I explore in Chapter 1, but I am still weighing out if that’s the right approach since the book’s focus is the sycamore-fig tree. It, too, is often mistranslated as a different fig, but is that critical enough to begin the book in that manner?
What do you think? Email me back or comment below. I welcome feedback at this crucial point before I finish my chapter outlines.
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One of my summer reads was Strange Vernaculars, a book which indeed lived up to its name and the promise of strangeness as it tied etymology with unique words in 19th century novels. In a similar vein, I am intrigued by a new release, Sarah Ogilvie’s The Dictionary People. The Oxford English Dictionary is one of mankind’s greatest achievements, and yet, curiously, its thousands of creators are almost never considered. Ogilvie set out as a historical detective to learn about who the people were behind the dictionary. The Dictionary People is on my Christmas wish list!
Speaking of Christmas, I’m eager to share some classic books with you next time like David Jack’s George MacDonald Christmas Collection.
Do comment or feel free to email me. And don't forget that the List Library at my website is always available to you, my readers.
Christine
P.S. The Orionids meteor shower peaks this weekend with over 20 meteors per hour. Prime time viewing is after midnight, so tuck in some blankets along with a heap of patience, and see if you spot these bits of Halley’s Comet. More at Smithsonian Magazine.