Abstract

China is a gold state of poetry; its classical poetry has composed an important part of traditional Chinese culture. People all around the world should have the opportunity to feel the unique charm of classical Chinese  poetry. And the translation of it is an important way to introduce the Chinese poetry culture to the whole world. The excellent translation works would undoubtedly win the classical Chinese poetry a great influence around the world. 

Generally speaking, the existing translation works are imperfect and the theories of English translation of classical Chinese poetry are not in system. Among many translation theories, the relatively popular one is the Three-Beauty Principle proposed by Mr. Xu Yuanchong. His achievements of both translation theory and practice are great contributions to the development of the translation of classical Chinese poetry. 

This thesis will primarily focus on Pipaxing written by Bai Juyi, a famous poet of Middle Tang Dynasty. Based on the comparative study of the two English versions by Xu Yuanchong and Yang Xianyi, the thesis explores the gains and losses in the two translations and the feasibility of Three-Beauty Principle in poetic translation.      

Key words: Xu Yuanchong; Yang Xianyi; Three-Beauty Principle;      

          Pipaxing

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-1

2.1 Researches on English translation of Chinese poem-1

2.2 Researches on Pipaxing-2

3. Xu Yuanchong and His Three-Beauty Principle-4

3.1 A brief introduction to Xu Yuanchong-4

3.2 Three Beauty Principle-5

4. A Comparative Study of the Two English Versions of Pipaxing from the Perspective of Three-Beauty Principle-7

4.1 A introduction to the two English versions-7

4.2 Beauty in sense-7

4.3 Beauty in sound-10

4.4 Beauty in form-13

5. Conclusion-14

Works Cited-16