Abstract
Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018) is an immensely popular author of numerous science fictions and fantasy classics. A number of critics have noticed the influence of Taoism on Le Guin’s writing.critical insights offered by Translation Studies and Walter Benjamin’s comments on storytelling and translation, this paper argues that storytelling and translation are similar discursive practices that aim at the exchange of experiences, creating knowledge, and shaping culture. Taking Le Guin’s The Lathe of Heaven (1971) as a case study, this paper delves into how her storytelling serves as a unique form of translation, bridging the thought of ancient Chinese Taoist sages to narratives and fantasies that resonate with contemporary English readers. More specifically, the paper examines how Le Guin utilizes her protagonist's passivity to embody Lao Tsu's philosophy of non-action. This exploration aims to shed light on the complex relationship between storytelling and translation, emphasizing their importance in shaping our perceptions, broadening our horizons, and fostering a more interconnected global landscape of ideas and narratives.
Recommended Citation
Wang, Xiulu.
"Storytelling as a Way of Translation: The Rendition of Taoism in Ursula K. Le Guin's The Lathe of Heaven."
CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture
25.2
(2023):
<https://doi.org/10.7771/1481-4374.3927>
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