Author: WANG Wenqiang, Lecturer at School of Foreign Languages, Anhui Science and Technology University; SUN Yanbing, Lecturer at School of Foreign Languages, Taizhou University.
Abstract:
As one of the “Four Masterpieces” among Chinese classical novels, Xiyouji (The Journey to the West) has long been popular among Chinese readers. It has also been widely translated, and these translations have provided a rich resource for translation studies. The first English monograph of the novel was published in 1913, namely Timothy Richard’s A Mission to Heaven. In this translation, Richard is convinced of Qiu Chuji’s authorship of the novel. In Richard’s interpretation, Qiu, a Daoist priest, is ultimately converted to Christianity, and the convert Qiu even becomes a spokesman for Richard’s “Religious Liberty”. By altering Qiu’s birth date, Richard manages to identify the capable Qiu with with wise emperor Kubla Khan, bringing them together in a cause that reflects Richard’s own political ambition.
Keywords:
Journey to the West; Qiu Chuji; Remolding; Timothy Richard
Full Text (International Version):
WANG Wenqiang; SUN YanbingSCN JSCC.pdf
Full Text (Simplified Chinese Version):
