Abstract

The Chinese classical poetry is the gem of Chinese literature. As a microcosm of Chinese classical culture, Chinese poetry is combined with connotations of politics, history and culture, while image is a significant medium to convey the connotations. In addition, the vivid and elegant image contributes to the beauty of poetry. Therefore, how to convey and translate the image is of great significance in the translation of poetry.

After an introduction to the etymology and definition of image, this paper discusses image in Tao Yuanming’s On Returning to A Country Life by visual image, auditory image, kinesthetic image, literal image and rhetorical image. Later the paper probes into the comparison of the image in the three different versions by Charles Budd, Arthur Waley and Amy Lowell. Through comparative analysis of the three versions, this paper illustrates the conveyance and translation of image in Chinese poetry.

Keywords: Chinese poetry; image; translation; On Returning to A Country Life

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

2.1 The Etymology of Image-2

2.2 The Definition of Image-3

2.3 Image in On Returning to A Country Life-4

3. Image in Three Versions of On Returning to A Country Life-5

3.1 Introduction to the Three Versions-5

3.2 Visual Image-7

3.3 Auditory Image-8

3.4 Kinesthetic Image-9

3.5 Literal Image-9

3.6 Rhetorical Image-10

4. Translation Methods for Image in Chinese Poetry-10

5. Conclusion-11

Works Cited-13