A Comparative Study Of Tian Han's And Sun Fali's Translated Versions Of Salome From The Perspective Of Literary Stylistics

Salome is a representative aesthetic drama of Oscar Wilde.The play was first translated into China in 1920,followed by a number of re-translated versions in more than 20 years,among which Tian Han's version in 1921 was closest to the original in terms of information and style.In China's second translation climax,there were several re-translated versions,among which Sun Fali's version in 1998 was closest to the original in terms of information and style.Most studies of Salome focus on its influence,but the translated versions of Tian Han and Sun Fali should deserve attention in terms of words,syntax,style and how the theme was reproduced.Based on literary stylistics,this thesis conducts a descriptive analysis of Tian Han's version and Sun Fali's version of Salome.Specifically,by analyzing the differences at lexical,syntactic and rhetorical levels,this thesis observes the two translators' different understanding and communication of artistic effects and aesthetic themes of Salome.This thesis then probes into the reasons for different understanding of aesthetic theme of Salome during the May 4th Movement period and 1990s.It is found in this thesis that in Tian Han's version,words are more formal;sentences are long and highly exaggerated;and that rhetorical effect is closer to that of the original text.Such language choice weakens the emotional intensity of pure love among characters and the gorgeous atmosphere of terror,and highlights the Salome's courage to resist patriarchy and oppression.Such changes to the original text reflect how Tian Han understands aestheticism:emphasizing form and personality liberation and advocating freedom.While in Sun Fali's version,words are less formal;long and complex sentences are split,making the translation more fluent;and rhetorical effect is less impressing.Such language choice better reproduces the pure love among characters and conveys the gloomy atmosphere,and magnificent the colors in the play.Such translation strategy shows how Sun Fali understands aestheticism:emphasizing sensuous pleasure and arts pursuing pure beauty without moral preaching.Reasons for different understanding are the influence of social background and ideology and different ideas of literature creation and translation.Though a comparative study,this thesis reveals the identity change of Oscar Wilde's aestheticism in China from a tool to serve social revolution to aestheticism itself.