Traduction et prise de sens... Effi Briest aux mains de trois générations

Abstract

The original text does not age, it is said, while the translations age, and must constantly be put back on the job. Why? The first page of Théodor Fontane’s novel, Effi Briest, is a page of anthology.

Three French translations of this text have followed each other at an interval of 40 years. I will attempt to demonstrate that only one of them is unlikely to “grow old” while the other two are well imbued with the spirit and tastes of their time.

I will also mention the necessary retranslation of texts by Stefan Zweig reduced to a simple story and without any respect for style or tone.
Is it possible to provide a timeless translation? I am convinced of it. I will list the criteria that I think are relevant to validate such a feat.