Thomas Hardy Reception and Reputaion in China

Abstract

Thomas Hardy has been one of the best-loved novelists to Chinese readers for nearly a century, which is an uncanny phenomenon in the circle of literature reception and circulation in China. It seems that Hardy has some magic power to have kept attracting Chinese literature lovers with his keen insight into nature, profound reflection on humanity and whole-hearted concern about human fate in the vast universe. Hardy’s works saturated with nostalgic sentiments for the traditional way of rural life exert unusual resonance in Chinese readers in terms of receptional aesthetic. There is no denial that Hardy is rather loved and admired by generation upon generation of Chinese literates, which can find expression in his exceeding popularity among readers from all trades and walks, from all levels, which ranges from middle school students to professors. In China, his prestige ranks only after Shakespeare among English persons of letters.