Abstract: Because of the huge differences between Chinese and English in linguistic and cultural aspects, the translation of the poems has long been a problem in translation circles. However Prof. Xu Yuanchong, founded the theory of “Three Principles of Beauty” which means beauty in sense, beauty in sound and beauty in form, which gave good directions to the translation of poems. This paper will combine theory with practice, to analyze a translated version of Chinese ancient poems by Prof. Xu Yuanchong, and discuss the application and reflection of the “Three Beauties” in detail. At last, the conclusion that the “Three Principles of Beauty” is suitable for the translation of poems, but in practice, the application of beauty in sense may be the point which could be pursued relatively easier. While the beauty in sound and form can not be pursued too high, as far as possible, only properly. Nevertheless the most important task for translators is faithfulness, which must not ignore the accuracy because of pursuing the “three Beauties”.
Key Words: three principles of beauty; beauty in sense; beauty in sound; beauty in form; aesthetic
CONTENTS
Introduction 1
1. Background and Circumstances of the Aesthetics of Prof. Xu Yuanchong’s Theory of Poetry Translation 1
1.1 History of Poetry Translation 1
1.2 Current Acheivement of Professor Xu Yuanchong in Aesthetics Research 2
2. Analyze “Three Principles of Beauty” in Detail 3
2.1 Prof. Xu Yuanchong’s Opinion on Each Beauty 3
2.2 “Three Principles of Beauty” in Practical Use 4
2.3 The Limitation of “Three Principles of Beauty” 10
3. Conclusion 10
Bibliography 13
