Rendering a Chinese Classic for Western Audiences: An Initial Exploration of Translating Tales of the Water Margin

open_access
Open Access
Author:
Zhang, Xuanming
Area of Honors:
Chinese
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Shuang Shen, Thesis Supervisor
Nicolai Martin Volland, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Shuihu Zhuan
The Water Margin
Tales of the Water Margin
Outlaws of the Marsh
All Men are Brothers
The Marshes of Mount Liang
水浒传
Translation
Chinese
4 Classics
Vernacular Fiction
English Translation
Abstract:
Shuihu Zhuan 水浒传 (otherwise known as The Water Margin, Tales of the Water Margin or Outlaws of the Marsh) is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, celebrated for its vibrant depiction of rebellion, loyalty, and justice during the Song dynasty (960–1279). Despite its significance, English translations of this monumental work often fail to capture its key themes, cultural context, and linguistic specificity. Existing translations—by Pearl S. Buck, Sidney Shapiro, and Alex and John Dent-Young—are marked by omissions, abridgments, or stylistic alterations that obscure the text's original meaning. This honors thesis bridges these gaps by making an attempt at a new translation of Tales of the Water Margin. Conjoining a critical analysis of Tales of the Water Margin’s core themes, historical background, and existing translations with a sample translation of Chapters 7 and 8, this project serves as an initial exploration of the complexities of translating vernacular Chinese fiction into English. Through this process, I aim to equip myself with the foundational skills necessary to embark on the first step of my lifelong project of translating the entire 120 chapters of Tales of the Water Margin.