A Cross-cultural Perspective on the Early Reception of Jane Austen in China

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn China, Jane Austen has enjoyed a marked increase in popularity over the last few decades. However, her reception has greatly altered since her works were first introduced to Chinese readers in the early 20th century. This article examines the early Chinese reception of Austen, whose fiction was largely disapproved of by early Chinese translators and scholars for not engaging with the major political and social events of her time. The first half of the 20th century was a decisive period of social transformation in the history of China, and Chinese intellectuals therefore held strong negative attitudes towards what were perceived as “conservative” writers. Their disregard for Austen’s skilful use of irony and her representation of women seems to be closely connected with a misreading of the author’s “conservative” stance. This article also examines the influence of the women’s movement and gender issues which arose during China’s intellectual revolution on Austen’s early reception.