关键词: 《红楼梦》英译本, 副文本, 比较研究, 接受

Abstract: A comparative study on paratext in five major English versions of Hongloumeng, a classic Chinese novel, has been carried out in this thesis on the basis of the concept of “paratext” put forward by Gérard Genette. It is noteworthy that translators tend to attribute increasing interpretive force to the paratext of their versions and attempt to make compensation for the text they failed to stick faithfully to, aiming at a better reception by the target language readers. However, some paratexts disturb the reception of the translated texts, are neglected by the average receptors, or even impede the promotion and reception of the translated works. Hence this thesis argues that translators, publishers/editors and sponsors should consciously and cautiously take full advantage of paratext to attach priority to the reception of translation and avoid any possible negative impact, explore the horizon of expectation of the receptors of the translated Chinese literature, and thus promote the reception.

Key words: English versions of Hongloumeng, paratext, comparative study, reception