On The Translation Of The Iliad: A Comparative Study Of Three Chinese Translations From The Perspective Of The Translator’s Subjectivity

A comparative study of the three Chinese translations of The Iliad that are done respectively by Fu Donghua, Luo Niansheng and Wang Huansheng, and Chen Zhongmei, this thesis bases its comparison on the theory of the translator’s subjectivity, particularly, its three component parts, i.e. the translator’s creativity, constraint and purpose. By illustrating each of these component parts with examples, it concludes that the translator’s subjectivity is an important factor in evaluating a translation work.This thesis consists of six chapters. Chapter 1 is a general introduction about the research background, research significance, research methodology, and thesis structure. Chapter 2 involves the information about The Iliad, its three translated versions and their translators. It offers a preview of the styles and main features of the three translations, together with the introduction of the translators, including their life experiences and education backgrounds, which lays the foundation for later comparison. Chapter 3 reviews the previous research in this field, covering The Iliad’s translations in China and the West, the research on the translation of The Iliad, and the study of the translator’s subjectivity. Chapter 4 clarifies the concept of the translator’s subjectivity by explaining the changing status of the translator over time, the definition of the translator’s subjectivity, and its three component parts, establishing the theoretical framework for the comparison in the next chapter. Chapter 5 is a comparison of the three translated versions of The Iliad, which is organized under the three major component parts of the translator’s subjectivity, i.e. the translator’s creativity, constraint and purpose. First, the translator’s creativity is represented by the translator’s personal language habit and the language style he builds. Second, the translator’s constraint is illustrated by the historical background of the translation and that of the translator. The background of the translation refers to the historical period in which the translation is done, and the background of the translator means the major historical period the translator lives in and goes through. Third, the translator’s purpose is represented by the translation strategy the translator chooses, which is reflected in the translations of the alien words and the Homeric formulas. The comparisons are mostly demonstrated in the tabular form and the most important words are underlined to highlight the differences. Chapter 6 is the conclusion, summarizing the major findings, pointing out the limitations of the research and putting forward suggestions for further research.The major significance of this thesis lies in that such a comparative study of The Iliad’s Chinese translations from the perspective of the translator’s subjectivity is still non-existent. To fill this research gap, this thesis digs into the specific text and illustrates the three component parts of the translator’s subjectivity with examples, revealing the impacts of the historical and individual constraints on the final product of translation, and proving the efficiency and importance of the translator’s subjectivity in interpreting and evaluating the translation.