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except a few phrases and sentences, not in all amounting…

“except a few phrases and sentences, not in all amounting to a page, which I have dropped as evidently unfit for the English taste,” quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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““except a few phrases and sentences, not in all amounting to a page, which I have dropped as evidently unfit for the English taste,””

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Goethe omitted many phrases he deemed unsuitable for English taste, reflecting selective editing.

In simple terms: He removed parts he thought unsuitable for English readers.

Key Takeaway

Consider audience when editing.

Themes

literature translation editing

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • publishing
  • translation projects
  • academic editing
  • literary criticism

Key Concepts

censorship cultural adaptation authorial intent

Questions to Reflect On

  • What criteria should guide editing for a new audience?
  • When is it acceptable to omit original content?
A Different Perspective

Editing may alter original meaning; balance fidelity and readability.

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