The translatress in her own person speaks: A study of Aphra Behn’s translations based on Dryden’s classification

Abstract

This paper examines the translations by Aphra Behn based on the tripartite classification that John Dryden established between metaphrase, paraphrase and imitation. Behn employs mainly metaphrase in her translations of La Rochefoucault; paraphrase in her versions of Cowley and Tallemant, among others; while applying the imitation to Aesop's Fables. It is found that Behn breaks with the tradition of translating principally classical authors, broadening channels for the entrance of modern literature into England and expanding the possibilities of literary translation. Analyzing the samples, the author's occasional manipulation of the original text is identified, consonant with her creative ideas and generating a metatext featuring new political and gender resonances contextualized in her era. It is also concluded that the professional writer of the Restoration employs translation spurred by the tastes of the burgeoning literary market, among other factors, shaped by recent developments in France and, as such, motivated by commercial interests