THE PROBLEM OF TRANSLATING THE WORD UŽAS (“HORROR”) IN LITERARY TRANSLATION (BASED ON THE HUNGARIAN TRANSLATIONS OF L. N. TOLSTOY’S NOVEL “ANNA KARENINA”)

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Abstract

https://doi.org/10.18522/1995-0640-2026-3-136-147

Among the various approaches to studying the poetics of Leo Tolstoy’s works, a significant place belongs to the analysis of linguistic and semantic features and innovations in his texts. The focus of this research is the development of the concept of horror (through beauty) in “Anna Karenina”, the interpretation of which can transform the literary understanding of the novel as a whole. A closer and more attentive reading of the text may contribute to a more practical realization of this key relationship within the novel, while the analysis of the unequal spheres and gaps in intercultural and translational understanding demonstrates that even experienced Tolstoy scholars can benefit from such an approach. The article presents the meanings of several passages from the second chapter of “Anna Karenina” and compares their various Hungarian translations. In addition, the translations are accompanied by commentary that includes supplementary semantic information shedding light on the poetic complexities of the work. Main findings and conclusions of the research: The examination of these excerpts reveals not only successful but also less effective translation solutions. The shortcomings of the translations often arise from hastily executed work or insufficient knowledge of Russian culture and literature, whereas adequate renderings bring to light the semantic layers and richness of Tolstoy’s novel. In some cases, translators choose words that convey a strong sense of fear or disgust; in others, they opt for more neutral constructions, which may soften or distort the original meaning and emotional intensity of the text. The analysis of the Hungarian versions of “Anna Karenina” demonstrates that the translator’s choice regarding the word “terrible fear” influences the overall perception of certain scenes and, ultimately, the interpretation of the entire text. The present study focuses precisely on these subtle shifts in meaning and their consequences.

Key words: “Anna Karenina”, concept of horror, comparison, adequacy of the Hungarian translation

Author Biography

  • Angelika Molnar , University of Debrecen

    Ph.D. in Philosophy, associate professor, Institute of Slavistics

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Published

2026-09-28

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 3 (2026)

Section

LITERATURE STUDY

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Copyright (c) 2026 Angelika Molnar

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