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

摘要： 借助热奈特提出的副文本概念,本文对《红楼梦》5种主要英译本的副文本展开比较研究,发现译者普遍有意识地赋予副文本更多的阐释功能,运用副文本资源补偿译本正文不尽如人意之处,旨在促进目的语读者对译本的接受。然而,部分副文本信息却扰动了翻译接受,或者为普通接受者所忽略,甚至阻碍了翻译接受。有鉴于此,本文提出译者、出版人/编辑、赞助者应充分重视副文本的作用,避免让副文本成为作品译介和传播的阻力,应在副文本中充分体现对翻译接受的关注,探索接受者对中国文学的期待视域,促进翻译接受,助力中国文学走向世界。

关键词: 《红楼梦》英译本, 副文本, 比较研究, 接受