A Study Of Li Jihong's Chinese Version Of The Moon And Sixpence From The Perspective Of Paratext Theory

As one of the representative works of Maugham,a great master of English literature,The Moon and Sixpence has been translated for numerous versions and popularized among hordes of readers in China.The thesis chooses the version translated by Li Jihong,who is the most controversial young translator in China in recent years,as a case study.Through the comparison between English and Chinese text,it is found that the paratextual elements are the most obvious features in the translation.Paratext as an auxiliary text of the main text represents an indispensable part and parcel in the field of literature.It has the function of interpretation,supplement and evaluation to the study of literary works.The paratext in translation is not a simple language conversion process,but a more sophisticated process,which focuses on the relationship between source language and target language from multiple levels amid the social and cultural background.It has been speculated that the main reason why the translator chooses paratext to complete his translation is to promote the widespread of his translation in China.By virtue of this,this thesis remains committed to explore the main factors influencing the dissemination and acceptance of the translation and how the paratextual elements function based on the theory of paratext put forward by Gérard Genette.This thesis mainly discusses from three aspects: first,how the author,title,cover and the translator's preface and notes affect the dissemination of the translated work.Second,publisher,media,scholars and readers have been discussed from the perspective of public epitext,and analyzed how these factors contribute to the dissemination of translation.In addition,it also discusses the function how paratext promotes the reception of the Moon and Sixpence.Taken careful analysis into consideration,the conclusion has been drawn that the reason why translator adopts paratextual elements to complete the translation is to help readers understand the social and cultural background of the source text,promoting the dissemination and acceptance of the translated work.More importantly,Maugham's achievements and status are declared to the massive readers through paratext as a medium,so as to restore the fame of the original author and canonize the original work.With the connotative information of source text extending,readers' interest could be inspired by translator.The advertising produced by publisher would stimulate readers' purchasing desire.That being said,even the negative influence triggered by the original author and translator would arouse readers' curiosity,enabling the increase in sales and dissemination of translation.