A Tentative Study of William Allingham’s A Dream Under the Guidance of Xu Yuanzhong’s “Three-Beauty Theory”

Abstract

Famous Chinese translator Xu Yuanzhong advocates “three-beauty theory” in translating poems, namely, beauty in sense, sound and form. Based on the Luxun’s opinion, theoretical system of “three beauties” is summarized by Xu Yuanzhong after he translates a large number of poem. In addition to conveying the content of the original poem, it is also necessary for translators to strive to convey the form and rhyme of the original poem. Especially in poetry translation, the effect of “three beauties” is the goal of many poetry lovers. Guided by the theory of “three beauties”, the author tries to make an exploratory translation of William Allingham’s A Dream, keeping in line with the original poetry from three aspects of artistic conception, rhyme and form. And this thesis mainly aims for helping readers further appreciate the original poetry and draw lessons from translating the English poetry under the guidance of the theory of “three beauties”. Furthermore, the author wants to contribute to the cultural exchange between China and the West.