A Comparative Analysis of Liu Bei's Image in the English Versions of Sanguo Yanyi: A Perspective on Poetry Translation

Sanguo Yanyi, a Chinese classical historical novel, contains a total of 207 poems. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the portrayal of Liu Bei in the English translations of the novel from the perspective of poetry translation. By examining the translations by Brewitt-Taylor and Moss Roberts, we aim to explore the nuances and variations in Liu Bei's image as portrayed in the poems. Selected examples are analyzed to highlight Liu Bei's image characteristics, including his adeptness, benevolent nature, and ambitious demeanor. The translations are compared in terms of their focus on readability versus fidelity to the original text. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the interpretation and representation of Liu Bei's character in English-language adaptations of Sanguo Yanyi, shedding light on the challenges and possibilities of poetry translation in a historical and cultural context.