Study On Romanticization In The Translation Of Holmes By Mandarin Ducks And Butterflies

Reformist intellectuals in the late Qing and early Republic of China have ushered in a translation boom. As one of the best-sellers in this current, the 1916 version of Holmes by Mandarin Ducks and Butterflies has been neglected in academia. Up till now, most researches about Holmes have been concentrated on its stimulating effect on the upsurge of translating detective fictions or its influence on Chinese literary creation. Apart from such macro studies on the social background of Holmes, there are few text-specific researches, giving this version an in-depth examination or taking the translator's identity into consideration. Thus, a descriptive study on the discrepancy between the original and the target texts is deemed to be necessary, while the writing style of Mandarin Ducks and Butterflies shall be taken into consideration as an influencing factor of this translation.Aimed at an intensive study of Holmes, this thesis is done from the perspective of rewriting theory to conduct a descriptive research on the romanticization of characters, settings and plots in Holmes. With explanation of such poetic rewriting in this translation, this thesis attempts to reveal that the writing style of Mandarin Ducks and Butterflies has exercises an impact in their translation of Holmes. Especially the passion-evoking tendency in literary creations of Mandarin Ducks and Butterflies has been embodied in Holmes and makes much more romanticized than the original. Firstly, the beautification and sentimentalization of characters in Holmes make them appear attractive and delicate, arousing a sigh on the tragic ending of tender beauties. Secondly, settings in Holmes are re-decorated with reference to traditional Chinese literature and take the shape of Chinese rurality and autumnal melancholy, better exposing characters'inner world. Lastly, the rearranged plots in Holmes are believed to be influenced by the traditional thought of"romance with observance of rites"and give prominence to the following stages: falling in love, hindrance in romance, the cruel fate and the destruction of love. Sticking to their passion-evoking convention, Mandarin Ducks and Butterflies have brought their writing style into full play in the translation. Therefore this thesis is directed to reassess this translation and dig out its values in translation studies, despite the humble status of its translators.