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,””
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.
Consider audience when editing.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- publishing
- translation projects
- academic editing
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria should guide editing for a new audience?
- When is it acceptable to omit original content?
Editing may alter original meaning; balance fidelity and readability.