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A review by sowalsky
The Purgatorio by Dante Alighieri, Dante Alighieri
4.0
This central panel in Dante's great triptych brings the sojourner out of the infernal regions of the damned on a journey of purification -- the purgation of sin. Those in purgatory are assured entrance into the paradise awaiting them above, but must first shed their old skins through apropos acts of atonement. This, on the surface of things, describes Dante's journey to reunion with his beloved Beatrice. Along the way, however, the poet creates a dizzying amalgamation of... well, just about everything under the sun, from theology to science to art to the political intrigues of 13th century Italy. And this is where a skilled translator shines.
John Ciardi's translation is clear and direct. However, given the fact that it is not commonly referenced, it must have failed the test of time. He chooses to render Dante's original into enclosed tercets, which makes for relatively easy reading. However, Dante is never a truly easy read, especially given his proclivity for referencing obscure figures both from distant history and from his own age. Ciardi does an exemplary job of illuminating these endless references. The basic problem for any translator is the fact that the explanatory notes will outweigh, in sheer volume, the substance of the original text itself. Thus, even the best translation will amount to a laborious read.
John Ciardi's translation is clear and direct. However, given the fact that it is not commonly referenced, it must have failed the test of time. He chooses to render Dante's original into enclosed tercets, which makes for relatively easy reading. However, Dante is never a truly easy read, especially given his proclivity for referencing obscure figures both from distant history and from his own age. Ciardi does an exemplary job of illuminating these endless references. The basic problem for any translator is the fact that the explanatory notes will outweigh, in sheer volume, the substance of the original text itself. Thus, even the best translation will amount to a laborious read.