In Arrowsmith, Chapter 6, Part IV, Martin finds himself simultaneously engaged to two young ladies. Leora is dominating the mental gymnastics as he faces his original betrothed: "it was Madeline who took his hunger to herself."
To translate a phrase such as this, a translator has at least two options: 1) Decide literally what it means, and translate that, or 2) Attempt to portray the ambiguity in a similar manner.
I have had occasion to use option 2, and am most likely to do that if possible. But usually language 1 doesn't, as mathematicians say, map "one-to-one and onto" language 2. That is, what's easily said in Japanese might be more difficult to say in English, and vice versa. An example of this is the Japanese concept of filial piety. Say the Japanese equivalent of that to any Japanese person, young or old, educated or less so, and they all understand it. Now try that in English.
So, it's a rare treat to be able to use option 2, and some translators never seem to try. But option 1 requires certainty in the interpretation. On some occasions, a translator might have access to the author, or to other information that helps with this interpretation. Usually, however, one must figure it out for oneself.
Now back to our story. Professor Ugai apparently decided that the passage above means "it was Madeline who fulfilled his hunger." I can see why he'd choose that, and probably will leave his translation as is. But, though it's not exactly clear what our friend Red must have meant, my sense is that it's something a tad different, perhaps something along these lines: his hunger was satisfied by the reflection of it he could see in her.
I'd be happy for inputs on what the original ought to mean. If we come up with a compelling case, I'll adjust the translation accordingly.
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