Laurence Sterne in Germany: A Contribution to the Study of the Literary Relations of; England and Germany in the Eighteenth Century

Key themes

Literary Reception and Influence

This is the central theme, exploring how an author's work is received, interpreted, and integrated into a foreign literary tradition. The book meticulously tracks Sterne's journey from obscurity to prominence in Germany, detailing the mechanisms of this influence, including translation, critical commentary, and subsequent literary imitation. It highlights the active role of the receiving culture in shaping the meaning and impact of the imported work.

Cultural Exchange and National Identity

The book illustrates how literary exchange is a vital component of broader cultural exchange, particularly in the formation of national literary identity. The 18th century was a period when German literature was actively seeking its own voice, and engagement with English authors like Sterne provided crucial impetus and models. This theme explores how foreign influences are assimilated, adapted, and ultimately contribute to a distinct national literary character, rather than simply being copied.

The Role of Translation

Hewett-Thayer explicitly highlights translation not merely as a technical process but as a critical act of interpretation and mediation. The book demonstrates how the quality, stylistic choices, and even biases of translators significantly impact how a foreign author is understood and received. It shows that translation is not a transparent window but an active filter that shapes the literary encounter between cultures.

Worth discussing

How does Hewett-Thayer's study illuminate the broader dynamics of literary influence between nations?