Shakespeare reception in China

Abstract

Since the name of Shakespeare was first introduced into China, Shakespeare in China has witnessed several different development phases in the fields of translating, performing and criticism. In whichever phase the characteristic of Shakespearean studies in China was closely associated with the historical, cultural and political situation at that time, the complete disappearance from the Chinese public life during the Cultural Revolution, for instance. Thereupon, some scholar has asserted that the Chinese have misunderstood Shakeseare, even appropriated him for their own purposes. Although the political element did play an important leading role in China’s reception of Shakespeare, it is doubtless that any literature must have its potential social function, no matter in terms of artistic or social value. So is the case with Shakespeare in China. The history of Shakespeare reception in China has completely mirrored the Chinese’s seeking after truth from western literature at different historical stages.