The Influence of Times Values on the Translation of Female Characters in <i>Madame Bovary</i> : A Case Study of Li Jianwu and Zhou Keshi’s Translation

Madame Bovary has been hailed as the end of romanticism and the beginning of realism. It is a famous work with a distinctive feminist color and milestone significance in literary history. Based on the theoretical framework of contemporary values, this study examines the various strategies employed by Li Jianwu and Zhou Keshi in their translations of Madame Bovary. It analyzes the potential differences arising from the historical context and social values of their respective times, and proposes a translation strategy that minimizes ambiguity while aligning more closely with contemporary values. This study uses the method of comparative analysis to study the translations of Li Jianwu and Zhou Keshi at different times in detail. It is found that Li Jianwu is constrained by the conservative social environment in the early 20th century, and tends to simplify, weaken, and criticize the emotional depth and independence of female characters. Zhou Keshi, on the other hand, focuses on delicate description and emotional truth in a more open modern social background, emphasizing the complexity and individual independence of female roles.