Between Translation and Interpretation: "Paul's Wife" and "Maple" by Robert Frost

Abstract

This thesis delves into the translation and analysis of two poems, "Paul's Wife" and "Maple," from Robert Frost's collection New Hampshire. These two poems were chosen specifically for their shared themes. Detailed analysis will reveal, in fact, that both highlight a profound connection between nature and womanhood, as well as intricate dynamics of power within male-female relationships. The first chapter provides an introduction to the collection, contextualizing the selected poems within Frost's broader body of work, with particular interest in the collection from which the two poems are taken, that is, New Hampshire. The second chapter presents the Italian versions of the poems. This part will be accompanied by an elucidation of the translation process, with notes and explanations as to why specific choices were made, with the goal of obtaining a final version that is as closely related as possible to the original. A detailed examination of the thematic and stylistic elements of "Paul's Wife" and "Maple" is undertaken in the third chapter. Here, the poems will be compared, their similarities and differences will be highlighted, and interpretations of their most thought-provoking segments will be offered. In the fourth chapter, Frost's penchant for invoking classical tropes and interweaving them with American contemporary traditions is explored. Here parallels will be drawn to Pygmalion and ancient mythology. Concentrating specifically on “Paul’s Wife,” the American tall tale will be explored, delving into the story of Paul Bunyan. The final chapter offers a feminist analysis of the two poems, scrutinizing themes of gender roles and relationships within Frost's verse. The works of Romantic poets like Coleridge and Keats will be used to explore the influence over men attributed to feminine magical creatures in literature. Through this multi-faceted exploration, the thesis aims to shed new light on Frost's poetry and its relevance in contemporary literary discourse.