In Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote," the author critiques the challenge of translating poetry. He suggests that the essence and strength of the original verse are often lost in translation, stating that anyone who attempts to convert works written in poetic form into another language diminishes their natural power. Even with effort and skill, translations can never fully replicate the beauty and impact of the original text.
This perspective highlights the intrinsic value of original literary works and raises questions about the limitations of language. Cervantes emphasizes that while translations can convey meaning, they ultimately fail to capture the full richness of the source material, leading to a loss of the artistic force that the author intended. This dilemma showcases the complex nature of language and the art of literature as it transcends cultural barriers.