“THE WORK IS A LOVED ONE, THOUGH IT ISN’T EASY, OF COURSE”. IVAN FRANKO’S SKILLS AS TRANSLATOR (FRENCH PROSE)

Abstract

The article examines individual facts of the multifaceted translation legacy of Ivan Franko (1856-1916) in what concerns his reading of four prose samples of three French literature classics of the second half of the 19^th– early 20^th c.

The aim of the article consists in clarifying Ivan Franko’s role in the entry of French literature into the Ukrainian cultural process of the period in question, his translation interests in the novellas by Е. Zola, А. Daudet, A. France.

Research methodology. The article employs the system approach with the application of historical-literary, genetic, comparative methods, as well as that of hermeneutics. On the basis of these methods, factual material regarding the history of Ivan Franko’s interest in individual novellas’ samples of the three outstanding representatives of French literature in the second half of the 19^th –early 20^th c. is presented.

Results. The research presents major facts connected with Ivan Franko’s translation practice not only as interpreter of French belles-lettres works, but as tutor, mentor and leader of budding talents embarking upon the path of Ukrainian translators.

Scholarly novelty. The article is an interesting page in coming to know Ivan Franko’s interests as translator, the writer’s skills in the reproduction of literary-artistic and stylistic specificity of French novellas. It accounts for the motifs and themes that suggested Ivan Franko’s choice of these particular works by the above-mentioned French writers.

Practical novelty. The article may provide a basis for a more profound cognition and study of Ivan Franko’s practice as translator, primarily regarding the interest in French literature of the second half of the 19^th – early 20^th c., corroboration of the standing interest of Ukrainian literati in the accomplishments of more outstanding figures in certain national literatures. It is maintained that of importance is further research into Ivan Franko’s skills as French prose translator, also the stylistic specificity of his Ukrainian-language interpretations of French novellas.