Analysis on the Translation of Mao Zedong’s 2nd Poem in “送瘟神 ‘sòng wēn shén’” by Arthur Cooper in the Light of “Three Beauties” Theory

Abstract

Based on “Three Beauties” theory of Xu Yuanchong, this paper conducts an analysis on Arthur Cooper’s translation of “送瘟神”(2nd poem) from three aspects: the beauty of sense, sound and form, finding that, because of his lack of empathy for the original poem, Cooper fails to convey the connotation of the original poem, the rhythm and the form of the translated poem do not match Chinese classical poetry, with three beauties having not been achieved. Thus, the author proposes that, in order to better spread the culture of Chinese classical poetry and convey China’s core spirit to the world, China should focus on cultivating the domestic talents who have a deep understanding about Chinese culture, who are proficient not only in Chinese classical poetry, but also in classical poetry translation.