NPR's Book of the Day: Mary Jo Bang's Modern Translation of Dante's Divine Comedy
Episode Release Date: July 24, 2025
Introduction
In a compelling episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Ari Shapiro engages with poet Mary Jo Bang about her monumental two-decade-long project: translating Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy into contemporary English. This discussion delves into the intricacies of translation, the challenges faced during such an extensive literary endeavor, and the enduring relevance of Dante's masterpiece in the modern era.
The Purpose and Philosophy of Translation
The conversation opens with fundamental questions about the essence of translation. Mary Jo Bang shares her perspective on balancing fidelity to the original text with the need to render it accessible to today's readers.
Notable Quote:
"[...] just as an exercise, I decided I would put those three lines into contemporary English." — Mary Jo Bang [02:36]
Bang emphasizes that translation isn't merely about a word-for-word replication but about capturing the spirit and intent of the original work. She questions the traditional approach to translation and seeks to create a version that resonates with 21st-century audiences.
Mary Jo Bang's Approach to Translating the Divine Comedy
Bang's translation of Dante's Divine Comedy stands out for its lively, contemporary language and its incorporation of modern references. Her work is characterized by a departure from the strict rhyme schemes and meters typical of the original, opting instead for techniques like assonance, alliteration, and slant rhymes to maintain sonic momentum without the constraints of traditional rhyming.
Notable Quote:
"I decided that I would substitute contemporary elements like assonance, where you have the same vowel sound, or alliteration, where you have the same consonant sound." — Mary Jo Bang [04:09]
She illustrates this approach by reading an excerpt from her translation of Inferno:
"Stopped mid motion in the middle of what we call our life. I looked up and saw no sky, only a dense cage of leaf, tree and twig. I was lost. It's difficult to describe a forest savage, arduous, extreme in its extremity, I think. And the facts come back, then the fear comes back. Death, I believe, can only be slightly more bitter. I can't address the good I found there until I describe in detail what else I saw." — Mary Jo Bang [04:53]
This passage showcases her effort to retain the poetic essence while making it more relatable and accessible.
Challenges and Creative Decisions
Translating a medieval text like Dante's Divine Comedy poses significant challenges, particularly regarding rhyme and meter. Bang discusses her struggles with maintaining Dante's interlocking rhyme scheme (A, B, A, B, C, B, C, D, C) in English, a language less suited to such patterns compared to Italian.
Notable Quote:
"English is a rhyme poor language compared to the Romance languages." — Mary Jo Bang [03:52]
To overcome this, she employs modern poetic devices, ensuring the translation remains fluid and engaging without being constrained by archaic structures.
Relevance of the Divine Comedy Today
Despite being over 700 years old, Dante's Divine Comedy remains strikingly relevant. Bang draws parallels between the political turmoil of Dante's Florence and contemporary societal conflicts, highlighting the timeless nature of the work's themes.
Notable Quote:
"Dante's really concerned about how we live our lives, and the afterlife is a reflection of that." — Mary Jo Bang [08:02]
She underscores the universality of Dante's exploration of human morality, justice, and the complexities of societal dynamics, making it pertinent to modern readers.
Personal Reflections on the Translation Journey
Completing such an extensive project inevitably brings personal reflections. Bang shares her feelings of relief and uncertainty about her future post-translation, having dedicated two decades of her life to this intellectual pursuit.
Notable Quote:
"I feel relieved that I was able to do it, that it's finished. I wonder what I'll do with my life now." — Mary Jo Bang [08:54]
She also touches on moments of doubt, particularly during the completion of Paradiso, the final part of the trilogy, and how unforeseen circumstances like the pandemic influenced her determination to see the project through.
Conclusion
Mary Jo Bang's translation of Dante's Divine Comedy represents a bridge between the medieval and the modern, offering readers a fresh lens through which to engage with this classic work. Her dedication and innovative approach not only honor Dante's original vision but also breathe new life into it, ensuring its continued relevance and accessibility.
Closing Remarks:
"Mary Jo Bang has completed her translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Inferno, Purgatorio, and the third book, Paradiso is out now." — Ari Shapiro [09:20]
This episode of Book of the Day provides invaluable insights into the art of translation and the enduring power of literature to transcend time, offering listeners a deeper appreciation for both Dante's work and Bang's remarkable achievement in bringing it to contemporary audiences.