ABSTRACT
This paper first explores the definition of three beauties which is the principle of ancient Chinese poetry translation and points out that it is composed of beauty in sense, beauty in sound and beauty in form. Furthermore, the author also analyses the inter-relationship among the three beauties. On the basis of analysis of the original background of Li Yu’s Yumeiren and expressed emotions, the author makes a comparative study on the different English versions of the two translators, Xu Yuanzhong and Xu Zhongjie from the perspectives of “Three Beauty” principle. And pointed out the advantages and disadvantages of the two translation versions. It finally discusses the principles and translation strategies the two translators have followed when they translate Li Yu’s Yumeiren and come to a conclusion that in order to maintain the original charm of the art, it is necessary to follow the principle of three beauties.
Keywords：Li Yu’s Yumeiren; English versions; three beauties; translation principle
Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Principle of Three Beauties 2
2.1 Principle of Three Beauties 2
2.2 Interrelation 4
3. Introduction of the original 5
3.1 Historical Backgrounds 5
3.2 Expressed emotion 5
4. English versions 6
4.1 Comparison from beauty in sense 6
4.2 Comparison from beauty in sound 9
4.3 Comparison from beauty in form 10
5. The two translators' principles 12
5.1 Xu Zhongjie's principle 12
5.2 Xu Yuanzhong's principle 12
6. Conclusion 14
Acknowledgements 15
References 16
