Abstract：This paper mainly discusses Qian Zhongshu’s “Sublimation” theory and its influence and application to translation based on The Translation of Lin Shu. By contrasting “Sublimation” with “Faithfulness, Expressiveness and Elegance” put forward by Yan Fu, we generalize the commonness and characteristics of these two translation theories. Meanwhile, through the analysis of Qian Zhongshu’s Fortress Besieged and its English version by Jeanne Kelly & Nathan K Mao we explore the usage of “Sublimation” in literature translation. In Jeanne Kelly & Nathan K Mao’s translation, this theory is fully embodied by accurate selection of diction, reasonable conversion of rhetoric, polishing of sentences and consistency of style. This study enables people to understand the meaning of “Sublimation”, know its important role to Chinese translation theory and finally achieve the goal of improving our translation level. 

Key Words：Sublimation; “Faithfulness, Expressiveness and Elegance”; Translation Technique; Literature Translation; Fortress Besieged 

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction-1

2. The connotation of “sublimation”-1

2.1 The “decoy” (or” media”) statement in “sublimation”-2

2.2 The “misconstrue” statement in “sublimation”-3

2.3 The “transfiguration” statement in “sublimation”-3

3. The comparison of”sublimation” with “faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance”-5

4. The realization of "Sublimation" in translation-6

4.1 The avoidance of misconstrue by proper diction in translation-7

4.2The application of rhetoric in translation by increasing the “decoy”-8

4.3 Bring the “media” into play by modulating words-11

4.4 Realizing the”transfigure” by holding the whole story’s style-13

致谢-16