STYLISTIC DEVICES AS A CHALLENGE IN TRANSLATION

Abstract

This article investigates the theoretical foundations and practical application of expressive stylistic devices, with particular attention to their translatability across cultural and linguistic contexts. While irony, symbolism, suspense, and foreshadowing are central to literary discourse, their function is especially complex in translation, where cultural associations and stylistic nuances must be carefully mediated. Using Shirley Jackson’s short story - The Lottery as a case study, the research demonstrates how expressive devices construct layers of meaning that extend beyond the literal narrative, and how these layers may be altered, diminished, or reinterpreted in translation. Special emphasis is placed on irony as a structural principle, symbolism as a cultural code, and suspense as a narrative strategy, all of which present distinctive challenges for translators seeking to preserve the author’s stylistic intent. By combining theoretical insights with practical analysis, the thesis aims to contribute to the broader understanding of stylistic devices as both literary and translational phenomena, highlighting the necessity of balancing semantic fidelity with cultural and stylistic adequacy.