A Study On The Early Translation And Introduction Of Moliere In China(1886-1949)

Leading by the intellectual of reformists,western literature began to pour into China at the end of nineteen centuries.As one of the first and foremost dramatist who be brought into China,Moliere showed the greater charming of classicism comedy in the history of cultural communication between China and France.Based on a large number of historical documents,this article explores Moliere’s early translation and introduction in China,and explores the development and cultural factors behind the introduction at different stages between 1886 and 1949.This study will be conducted from four following aspects:Chapter 1 probes into the cultural factors which affected the translation and introduction work of Moliere in the early stage in China form three aspects so as to outstand the uniqueness of Moliere’s comedy in the context of Chinese culture.Firstly,Moliere’ comedy is fitted with the requirements of the vernacular movement for new literature under the situation of The May 4th Movement;Secondly,the reality of Moliere’s comedy accords with the development requirement of Chinese modern drama to the public;Lastly,the resistance reflected on Moliere’ comedy,to some extent,stimulated common people’ high spirit of fighting against the enemy bravely in the war time of China.Chapter 2 investigates the translation of Moliere in China from 1886 to 1916.In1886,the late Qing diplomat Chen Jitong mentioned Moliere in The Chinese Drama and gave him a high rating.This was the first time Moliere entered the vision of Chinese intellectuals.In 1908,the introduction of Moliere’s comedy The Misanthrope can be regarded as the beginning of Moliere’s translation in China.During this period,Moliere’s translations were very few and still in the initial stage.Chapter 3 investigates the translation of Moliere in China from 1920 to 1936.As the translation and introduction of French literature in China gradually matured,Moliere’s translation and introduction began to prosper.During this period,many comedies of Moliere were introduced,especially some well-known comedy works were more concentrated and frequently translated;introductions and commentary articles about Moliere and his comedies also appeared one after another,many of which were more professional academic Article;The prosperity of translation has promoted the performance of Moliere comedy on stage across China.Chapter 4 investigates the translation of Moliere in China from 1937 to 1949.In1937,the Anti-Japanese War broke out in an all-round way,the introduction of Western literature was affected,and the translation of Moliere’s comedy entered a low tide.However,introductory and critical articles about Moliere and his comedy emerged in large numbers during this period,and Moliere’s translation and introduction entered a more mature stage.In addition,China’s major drama clubs are still frequently performing Moliere comedy.