"Total translation" and literary texts : the case of Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Abstract

This study is essentially aimed at demonstrating that a "total translation" of any literary text is not possible. This is done with special reference to a translation/rewriting of a representative section from Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The conclusion arrived at is that the only viable option to deal with a literary text intended for cross-cultural, interlingual communication is to rewrite the text by retaining as fully as possible the narration of events. The study also involves discussion of and recommendations about changes to the lexical structure and cultural contexts needed to effect cultural equivalence in the target text. It emerged from the study that a literary translation is indeed a new creation and a cross-cultural event of significance.