10 / : Both nouns belong to the vaguely evocative type of romantic locution so frequent in and so difficult to render by exact English words. ranges from "mollitude" {Fr. } , i.e., soft luxuriance, "dulcitude," through various shades of amorous pensiveness, , and sensual tenderness to outright voluptuousness {Fr. }. The translator has to be careful here not to overdo in English what Pushkin is on the point of doing in the Russian when he makes his maiden burn with all the French languors of flesh and fancy.
The text discusses the difficulty of translating romantic expressions from Russian to English, particularly in Vladimir Nabokov's "Eugene Onegin." The author highlights two specific nouns that capture the essence of romantic sentiment, yet do not have direct English equivalents. Terms such as 'mollitude' and 'dulcitude' convey a sense of softness and tender emotion, which are prevalent in Pushkin's work.
This presents a challenge for translators, who must balance fidelity to the original text with the nuances of emotion that Pushkin intends. The translator must be cautious not to exaggerate the sensuality implied in the original Russian, as Pushkin allows for a delicate interplay between physical desire and fanciful sentiment, which may not translate effectively into English.
