Mikhail Kuzmin’s translation of Apu-leius’ novel The golden ass: language and style

This study marks the first attempt to perform a comparative analysis of Mikhail Kuzmin’s translation of Apuleius’ novel The Golden Ass and the original Latin text. The objective of this research is to examine specific passages from the Latin text that pose challenges for translators. The analysis emphasizes the nuances involved in conveying metaphors, epithets, epic formulas, similes, and rhetorical devices. To explore similarities and discrepancies and to illuminate Kuzmin’s translation style, the study also references earlier translations of the Roman novel by E. Kostrov and N. Sokolov. The findings indicate the uniqueness of Kuzmin’s translation. It stands apart from prior interpretations, showcasing the distinctiveness of the Roman author’s language and style while remaining relevant to contemporary readers. Kuzmin successfully strikes a balance between preserving the characteristics of the original text and ensuring its accessibility for modern audiences. Ultimately, this research demonstrates that Kuzmin made a noteworthy advancement in the methodology of translating ancient texts. Despite taking quite academic approach drawing upon antiquity studies, his work prioritizes the reader’s perception.