Worldness and Reception: Exploring Chinese Narratives in Global Literary Consciousness with “The Orphan of Zhao” as a Case Study

In the evolving landscape of global literature, the concept of “worldness” plays a pivotal role. World literature, in its essence, encapsulates a cosmopolitan tapestry of literary artistry. It stands as a testament to the culmination of national literary achievements when one describes it adjectivally as “world.” Historically, the term was reserved for the magnum opuses of Western European literature. However, in today’s globalized milieu, it commands an ever-expanding perspective. Theorists, whether proponents like Franco Moretti or critics like Emily Apter, haven’t pigeonholed the term “world” to a singular definition. Instead, they’ve delved into its multifaceted nature while distinguishing it from terms such as comparative, international, global, and cosmopolitan literature.
In the vast spectrum of world literature, understanding the transition from local culture to global narratives is crucial. A deeper engagement with the idea of world literature necessitates moving beyond viewing it as a mere aggregate of the world’s individual literary traditions. As studied by Chaudhuri (2021), the essence of world literature is not in the simple accumulation of narratives but in their interconnectedness. The vibrancy of each literary work contributes to a holistic experience. Drawing upon the principles of viśva as outlined by Tagore, there emerges a recognition of comprehensive artistic integrity in an author’s oeuvre. This perspective underscores the pivotal role of empathy in reading, emphasizing the endeavor to immerse oneself in the sentiments of the author.
The preset study further delves into the significant case of Chinese literature, spotlighting the “Orphan of Zhao” and its Western reception. This narrative’s journey underscores the intricacies of cultural exchange and literary adaptation. This Chinese literary classic, with its rich tapestry of emotions and moral undertones, has found acceptance in Western cultures since the 18th century. The milieu of the time paved the way for the enthusiastic reception of the French translation of “The Orphan of Zhao”, consequently, French academia fervently embraced the narrative. Its adaptation and assimilation into Western literary consciousness can be demarcated into three distinct phases: translation, interpretation, and rewriting. In the realm of world literature, “The Orphan of Zhao” emerges as a testament to how local narratives can be “worlded” – intricately woven into the global literary fabric, testifying to the universality of human emotions and experiences.