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Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
I read the Haugaard translation of Andersen's The Steadfast Tin Soldier (a.k.a. The Brave Tin Soldier), but I have yet to read the older translation. (Though I can tell you right now I prefer the decision to use the word "brave" rather than "steadfast" in a fairy tale / children's story - not because it is a word that children are more likely to know, I just think it's warmer and more evocative of an emotion.) I feel the need to mention this, as this blog has become nearly as much a study of the differences between the older and newer translations as it is a place for my little drawings. As often is the case, the part of the story that screamed out to me to be illustrated was not necessarily a vital part of the story. Nonetheless...
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It occurs to me that "steadfast" and "brave" are not at all the same thing. You're right about the warmth of "brave." I wonder, though... I don't see Andersen as evoking warmth in this way--at least, not for successful characters. He can't be brave--he can't do anything but stand there. And bravery is an active rather than passive characteristic. (Working through this while typing.) To me, it seems like the stoicism of "steadfast" fits with Andersen. I don't know that I would necessarily have considered this difference, had you not pointed it out! (P.S.--You should do Oscar Wilde next)
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