An Analysis of Jia Tanchun’s “Three Talents” Character Image in the English Translation of Dream of the Red Mansions—Based on David Hawkes’s and Yang Xianyi’s Versions

Abstract

The current study aims to analyze the characterization of Jia Tanchun in English versions of Dream of the Red Chamber translated by David Hawkes and Yang Xianyi. As an important character in Dream of the Red Chamber, Jia Tanchun’s image may differ in different English translations. By comparing and analyzing the translations of the two versions, this study reveals the ways in which different translations portray the character of Jia Tanchun and the cultural factors involved. By analyzing the translated texts about Jia Tanchun in the two versions, the current study finds that in Hawkes’s translation, the image of Jia Tanchun is endowed with a kind of wisdom, calmness and thoughtfulness, while Yang Xianyi’s translation highlights Jia Tanchun’s boldness, passion and adventurousness more. This may stem from the differences in the translators’ understanding of the original image of Jia Tanchun, as well as the influence of translation style and cultural background. In the process of translation, the characterization of Jia Tanchun’s “three talents” has attracted much attention. Based on the two versions, this study analyzes Jia Tanchun’s talents in management, learning and handling. The characterization of Jia Tanchun’s “three talents” is comprehensively presented in Hawkes’s and Yang Xianyi’s translations. Additionally, this study provides a new perspective for the translation of Dream of the Red Chamber and calls on translators to emphasize the shaping and expression of the characters in the process of translation and convey the rich connotation of the original. Meanwhile, readers should also keep an open and comparative mind when reading different translations to understand the work from multiple perspectives.