The Translation of Wilhelm Busch's Illustrated Poetry in Brazil: Towards a New Accentual-Metrical Pattern

Abstract

The present article recapitulates the Brazilian translations of Wilhelm Busch and points out that some publication circumstances have led to a biased reception of his work exclusively as children's literature in this country. Among other translation strategies which could contribute to extend the reading public of his work to an adult audience, this article proposes that the Knittelvers should be translated into Portuguese as a jambic ten-syllable line. An annotated translation of Busch's illustrated poem "Hänsel und Gretel", in this metric pattern, tests in which extent the conscious choice of rhythm and the attainment of cultural associations triggered by it can intensify the ironical effect of this mock fairy tale.