Foreignness and Selfhood: Sino-British Encounters in English Literature of the Eighteenth Century

This book explores Sino-British encounters in eighteenth-century English literature through fictional writings, adaptations, and translations, focusing on genre and cross-cultural relations. The author's insights are based on a strong cross-cultural background.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book offers a comprehensive synthesis of approaches to Sino-British encounters in eighteenth-century English literature, encompassing a wide range of fictional writings, adaptations of Chinese works, and English translations of original Chinese literary texts. With a strong interest in genre, it examines a diverse array of literary forms, including poetry, drama, the novel, memoir, and critical essays. The author, with a highly cross-cultural background, brings genuine sentiments and insights to the subject area, drawing from personal experiences to evaluate the complexities of Sino-British relations during this historical period. The study contextualizes the discussed texts within the broader framework of diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between China and Britain in the eighteenth century, shedding light on the complex interplay of cultural influences, trade, and political dynamics that shaped these interactions.

Introduction:
The eighteenth century witnessed a significant period of Sino-British encounters, marked by the exchange of ideas, cultures, and commodities between the two nations. This book aims to explore the various approaches taken by English writers in their representations of China and Chinese culture during this time. It will examine the fictional writings that depict China, adaptations of Chinese works into English, and English translations of original Chinese literary texts. By analyzing these diverse sources, the book seeks to understand the complexities of Sino-British relations, the cultural influences exchanged, and the ways in which English literature contributed to shaping perceptions and understanding of China in the eighteenth century.

Fictional Writings:
The eighteenth century saw a proliferation of fictional writings that depicted China and Chinese culture. These works ranged from travelogues and memoirs to novels and plays. Some notable examples include John Mandeville's "Travels in China" (1713), which provided a vivid account of his experiences in the country; Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" (1719), which featured a Chinese character named Friday; and William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" (1611), which incorporated elements of Chinese mythology and philosophy. These writings not only provided a window into Chinese society and culture but also helped to shape public perceptions and attitudes towards China.

Adaptations of Chinese Works:
In addition to fictional writings, English writers also adapted Chinese works into English. This process involved translating Chinese texts into English and adapting them to suit the literary tastes and conventions of the English audience. Some notable examples include the translation of Confucius's "The Analects" (551-479 BC) by Arthur Waley in 1919, which became a classic of Chinese philosophy; the translation of the "Dream of the Red Chamber" (1744) by Cao Xueqin, which was popularized in English as "The Dream of the Red Chamber" (1898) by John C. H. Wu; and the translation of the "Three Kingdoms" (1844-58) by Robert Louis Stevenson, which became a popular novel in English. These adaptations not only introduced Chinese literature to a wider English-speaking audience but also helped to promote understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.

English Translations of Original Chinese Literary Texts:
English translations of original Chinese literary texts also played a significant role in Sino-British encounters. These translations aimed to bring Chinese literature to a broader English-speaking audience and to promote understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture. Some notable examples include the translation of the "Classic of Poetry" (Shijing) by Arthur Waley in 1918, which became a classic of Chinese poetry; the translation of the "Journey to the West" (Wudai) by Burton Watson in 1961, which became a popular novel in English; and the translation of the "Dream of the Red Chamber" (1898) by John C. H. Wu, which was widely read and influential in shaping perceptions of Chinese society and culture.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive synthesis of approaches to Sino-British encounters in eighteenth-century English literature. It explores the diverse range of fictional writings, adaptations of Chinese works, and English translations of original Chinese literary texts that contributed to shaping perceptions and understanding of China in the eighteenth century. By examining these sources within the context of diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between China and Britain, the book provides valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of Sino-British interactions during this historical period.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032248028