;classification and translation evaluation.
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Chapter 2 Literature Review
This chapter will first introduce the classical novel under discussion and it current translation status. Then, it will review the latest studies on the English translation of Sanguo Yanyi and translation studies based on Frame semantic theory both abroad and at home.
2.1 A brief introduction of Sanguo Yanyi
Sanguo Yanyi was created by Luo Guanzhong of the Yuan-Ming transition period, based on the historical work Sanguo Zhi (Annals of Three Kingdoms) by Chen Shou of the Jin dynasty. It is the first full-length historical romance with clear chapter divisions in ancient China written in easily accessible classical Chinese. The novel records the turbulence of history from the rebellion of Yellow Turbans in late Eastern Han Dynasty to the division of Three Kingdoms before Jin Dynasty, covering a period of near 105 years. The novel describes the feudal lords? attempt to replace or restore the Han Dynasty. It mainly deals with the struggles, intrigues and military battles between the three powerful blocks which later developed into three states. Though involved in mythical elements, many plots in the novel are fairly loyal to the authentic history and presented in accordance with an overall time sequence. Great historical events sticks to the annals of history and the experiences of the major characters are basically real. The earliest edition of Sanguo Yanyi includes twenty four volumes with a total number of 240 episodes. Currently, the most popular version in the market is the annotated edition of Mao Lun and his son Mao Zonggang. The Maos changed the novel into 120 chapters and each chapter heading is composed of two paralleled lines with each of seven characters. They also remarked a lot on the contents of the novel and deleted many plots that did not meet the historical evidence. Most of the translated works of Sanguo Yanyi are based on Mao?s edited version. Their annotations and comments are greatly helpful for translators as it enables a clearer understanding of many cultural related items.
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2.2 Current translation status of Sanguo Yanyi
Sanguo Yanyi has a wide and profound influence in China and transmitted overseas at a comparatively early date. The earliest translation into a foreign language was into Japanese in 17 century. At present there are more than 60 complete and abridged translated versions around the world (Bai, 2009). In English, the earliest translation is generally believed to be P.P. Thomas? translation segment The Death of Dong Zhuo: A Famous Minister during the 19th century. Later, many other translators rendered some excerpts from the original work. Williams translated the first chapter of the novel and introduced the story of three heroes? plight mutual faith in the peach garden. Stent translated the chapters that describes Zhuge Liang?s whole lifetime. In the preface he also introduced the prominent status of this distinguished character in Chinese history. Giles excerpted the story of the
