On The Second Floor Of The Ten English Translation Study

By close-reading and textual analysis of three versions of the English translation of Twelve Towers, this dissertation aims to compare the differences between translation strategies and specific methods. By demonstrating that these versions are indicative of the course of development of western literary theory, this dissertation also discusses the translation processes and the versions’ supplement to and enrichment of the original. First of all, the dissertation provides a brief introduction to the three English translations of Twelve Towers and the domestic status of English translation research of Li Yu novels. Furthermore, textually analyzes John Francis Davis’s translation and explores his "Eastern Record" translation method and its effects. What’s more evaluates Nathan Mao’s "Retelling" translation method of Twelve Towers and how it takes the form of "citizens’ stories". Then scrutinizes Patrick Hanan’s translation a Tower for the Summer Heat and analyzes its method of translation by revolving around Li Yu’s intelligence and talents, thereby making the translation closer to a category of "Writings of the Talented". In the end does an overview of the three different translation strategies, and discusses the changes and shifts in western criticism theory and its interpretation and augmentation of Twelve Towers’s literary essence.