Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 The Significance of the Study-1

1.2 Structure of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-2

2.1 Introduction to “Three Beauties”-2

2.2 Previous Studies on Poetry Translation-2

Chapter Three The Application of “Three Beauties” to Tang Poetry Translation-4

3.1 Characteristics of Tang Poetry-4

3.1.1 Imagery-4

3.1.2 Short Passages-4

3.1.3 Allusions-5

3.2 Reappearance of “Three Beauties” in Translating Poems-5

3.2.1 Beauty in Sense-6

3.2.2 Beauty in Sound-6

3.2.3 Beauty in Form-7

Chapter Four Conclusion-9

References-10

Abstract

The creation of classical Chinese poetry is an art, the harmony of the beauty of sense, the beauty of sound and the beauty of form. Such beauties in its English translation should not be lost, but be embodied. Poetry translation is the most difficult in translation field. The English translation of classical Chinese poetry, especially the reproduction of the original “three beauties” may be the most difficult. The plight has long been a consensus in translation filed, but despite that there are still some valuable works in the translation area.

On the basis of an introduction to the “three beauties” principle of poetry translation, the paper introduces the reproduction of the “three beauties” in poetry translation, taking Professor Xu Yuanchong’s English version of Tang poems as examples. Besides, the author also points out that under the guidance of “three beauties” principle, poetry translation can reproduce the original “beauty in sense, beauty in sound, and beauty in form”, which can help English readers fully appreciate the charm of Chinese classical poetry.  

Keywords: “Three Beauties”  C-E translation  Tang Poetry