Vizetelly's Translation of Zola's Fécondité: The Master in an English Dress

In his expurgated translation of Zola's Fécondité, Ernest Alfred Vizetelly expresses the intention of "retain[ing] the ensemble of the narrative" and capturing "all the essence of the lessons which the work inculcates." Although he is partially successful, Vizetelly's cutting and cloaking in generality render Zola's arguments against the enemies of fruitfulness incomprehensible. Indeed, the only way the reader can make sense of such generalities is by referring to Zola's reputation in England as purveyor of filth. Ironically, then, instead of clothing his literary hero in the new garb of reformer, Vizetelly cloaks the "master" in the old English dress of pornographer. (RMV)