Translation problem with Platonov

[Robert Chandler]

Thanks, Marian, I'll think about it -- though I'm reluctant to lose the word
'chance'.  

There's nothing like asking a question if you want to find an answer, and
soon after I sent my message it occurred to me that I could translate
'spasalsya' as 'found safety in'.

R.

> Robert,
> 
> Could you use something like "idiosyncracies" or "quirks'?
> 
> Marian

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Robert Chandler" <kcf19 at DIAL.PIPEX.COM>
> To: <SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU>
> Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 8:48 AM
> Subject: [SEELANGS] Translation problem with Platonov
> 
> 
> Can anyone help with a difficult word in Platonov?  It is from the
> unfinished 'The Macedonian Officer.
> 
> Mегариец ... спасался в случайностях текущей истории
> 
> The man from Megara always lived and acted without listening to anything
> except the precise feeling of his own heart, and he took refuge in chance
> accidents of current history ?? (looked for his salvation to the chance
> accidents of current history -- literally: ‘saved himself in the chance
> accidents of current history’).
> 
> Тhe meaning is that he is quick, resourceful, able to use chance events to
> his own advantage when he is in a tight corner, when his life is at stake.
> 
> 'looked for his salvation to' is not bad, but obviously a lot grander than
> the Russian -- and we are talking of someone who is sensible and down to
> earth.
> 
> Best wishes to all,
> 
> Robert Chandler
> 
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