Humanity Research IN S.T.E.A.M.
The Doxology of Chinese Literary Works--Exploring the Way of Compilation and Translation from The Orphan of Zhao Family to The Orphan of China Hanyang Li, Guangxi University
Abstract The Orphan of Zhao Family is a classic Chinese literary work created by Ji Junxiang. It has been widely spread in the West, and has a great influence on Britain and France. In the eighteenth century, it was introduced to France by several translators, and later changed to The Orphan of Zhao Family by Voltaire. Later, there are also several British translators who recreated it. The spread and circulation of The Orphan of Zhao Family gave Europeans a better understanding of Chinese drama and Chinese culture, and promoted the exchange of Chinese culture and Western culture. Key words: The Orphan of Zhao Family; The Orphan of China; doxology; compilation; Vlotaire
Introduction Ji Junxiang's The Orphan of Zhao Family in the Yuan Dynasty is considered to be the first literary work in China that went abroad. Scholars, writers and directors from various countries not only researched it, but also adapted and recreated it. At the beginning of the dissemination, The Orphan of Zhao Family was translated for the first time by a missionary who preached in China. When this drama was introduced to Europe, it attracted not only the attention of critics but also the interest of playwrights. They believe that the theme and expression of The Orphan of Zhao Family are worthy of reference and are the essence of oriental culture. Therefore, from the 1840s to the 1980s, more than four adaptations appeared in Europe. The earliest of these was published by William Hatchett in 1741 (Fan Cunzhong 1991). In the 18th century, Europe which had emerged from the ignorance of the Middle Ages, entered a new stage of development, and at this time, Sino-Western exchanges became increasingly frequent. China's political system and culture inspire enlightenment thinkers who attacked the authoritarian Christian culture. Therefore, Europe set off a climax to promote and spread Chinese culture. Therefore, during this period, the introduction of The Orphan of Zhao Family had a huge impact on Europe (Yi Yuexiang 2004). One of the most famous adaptations 40
