Theorizing Translation in a Woman’s Voice

Abstract

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in England, increasing numbers of educated women began to translate literary and philosophical works into English. In the course of their work, they also began to comment on translation: in prefaces, letters, and essays. This article explores the rhetorical strategies that these women used in coming to public voice: specifically, the ways in which they subverted various rhetorics that had long been in use among men for addressing patrons and beloveds and for inculcating moral lessons. Particular attention is paid to the remarks of Margaret Tyler in 1578, Suzanne du Vegerre in 1639, Katherine Philips in 1662–63, and Aphra Behn in 1688.