This essay focuses on how Woolf renders the sense of time in To the Lighthouse. More precisely, it investigates Woolf's linguistic constructs of some characters' perception of time as it takes form in their thoughts and visual imagery. Particular attention is given to the occurrence of the word "transfix", which Woolf employs to describe how an experience in time can turn into a memory. I also explore Woolf's peculiar use of this term, as well as her choice of verb tenses, in three major Italian translations of the novel. This comparison reveals the 'limits' of the Italian language in translating Woolf's representation of time, since this type of tense contrast does not exist in Italian.
"Semi-transparent envelopes: translating the 'sense of time' in Virginia Woolf"
Annalisa Volpone
2017
Abstract
This essay focuses on how Woolf renders the sense of time in To the Lighthouse. More precisely, it investigates Woolf's linguistic constructs of some characters' perception of time as it takes form in their thoughts and visual imagery. Particular attention is given to the occurrence of the word "transfix", which Woolf employs to describe how an experience in time can turn into a memory. I also explore Woolf's peculiar use of this term, as well as her choice of verb tenses, in three major Italian translations of the novel. This comparison reveals the 'limits' of the Italian language in translating Woolf's representation of time, since this type of tense contrast does not exist in Italian.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
