The Cultural Broker: Babette Deutsch and Transatlantic Modernism

This dissertation explores the multifaceted contributions of Babette Deutsch, emphasizing her role as a cultural broker within the modernist tradition. Deutsch’s diverse oeuvre, spanning poetry, fiction, translation, and literary criticism, is re-evaluated through the lens of cultural brokerage, a concept rooted in anthropological discourse. The study delves into her impact on American literary modernism, her feminist literary contributions, and her pivotal role in facilitating transnational literary exchanges. By situating Deutsch within the frameworks of cultural mediation and linguistic interpretation, this research elucidates her efforts to challenge nationalist and instrumentalist assumptions in literature.The project establishes a theoretical foundation for analyzing Deutsch’s work, providing detailed analyses of her transnational poetry, feminist modernist narratives, innovative translation practices, and critical engagement with American literary production in the early to mid-twentieth century. Deutsch’s poetry is celebrated for its rich intertextuality and thematic diversity, addressing both personal and universal themes while reflecting her engagement with various cultural and literary traditions. Her translations are highlighted for their cultural impact and poetic qualities, positioning her as a key figure in enriching American literature with diverse voices. Her critical writings advocate for a cosmopolitan approach to literature, challenging restrictive definitions and promoting an inclusive vision of American identity. Deutsch’s legacy as a cultural broker is underscored by her ability to navigate between diverse cultural influences, thereby fostering cross-cultural dialogue and enriching American literary discourse. This dissertation not only reaffirms Deutsch’s significance in literary history but also proposes an expanded application of cultural brokerage as a theoretical framework for understanding transnational and multiethnic literary dynamics.