On Translation Strategies Applied In Fortress Besieged From The Perspective Of Skopos Theory

Skopos theory was put forward by the German scholar Hans J. Vermeer in the late 1970s. As a breakthrough in traditional translation theories which are equivalence-based, it makes a great important contribution to the construction of translation theory from the practical function of translation. Skopos theory arouses extensively the attention of translation scholars, thus injecting fresh energy to the contemporary translation theories. However the application of Skopos theory is concentrated on applied translation, rather than on literary translation.Weicheng is a famous novel written by Qian Zhongshu, a literary heavyweight in China. The English version of Weicheng (Fortress Besieged) has got a warm welcome and attracted much attention since its publication. Meanwhile it has received some scholars'criticism. The paper is aimed to make analysis of the strategies applied in Fortress Besieged from the perspective of Skopos theory. The core of Skopos theory is that the end justifies the means,by which the choice of translation strategy is based on the intended purpose of the target text. As far as Fortress Besieged is concerned, the overall translational aim is to generate greater interest in Qian Zhongshu himself and his works. Guided by this purpose, the two translators are dedicated to retaining the original's grace and charm. Thus the English readers can appreciate Qian's linguistic manipulation. Through this research, the paper concludes that the strategies adopted in Fortress Besieged are functionally adequate or appropriate, having fulfilled the intended skopos.