My research explores the Chinese reception of Greco-Roman Classics, especially in the early 20th century. Specifically, I focus upon two scholars’ works: Shao Xunmei’s (邵洵美, 1906-1968) poetry on Sappho, and Zhou Zuoren’s (周作人, 1885-1967) translation of Greek mimes and Lucian’s dialogues. From these, I aim to reveal how Chinese intellectuals’ thoughts were shaped by ancient Greek literature when China was trapped in a “double cultural crossroads” of “East VS West” and “Antiquity VS Modernity”.
I am also participating in the Janus Project held by Dr. Cynthia Liu and Dr. Charis Jo, reading Angelo Zottoli’s Latin translation of Classical Chinese Four Books in the 19th century. We welcome more participants to join our discussion on the comparison between Greco-Roman and Chinese (or East Asian) Classics.
