How and Why Does David Hawkes Use Rhymes in Translating Poems in Hong Lou Meng

Abstract

Hong Lou Meng is usually considered the pinnacle of the classical Chinese novel, and numerous poems contained in it contribute significantly to its artistic achievements. Most of the poems in David Hawkes’ translation of this novel are in rhyme, although with different patterns. Moreover, the overall meaning of the original poems is reproduced despite many slight semantic alterations for the sake of rhyme. Thus, his translated poems are artistically appealing by reproducing or even reinforcing the sonorous beauty of the original poems which are an integral part of the novel. This chapter mainly summarizes three rhyming methods used by Hawkes, namely, seeking rhymes according to original meaning as the dominant method, creating new meaning for the sake of rhyme and adjusting the plot of the novel to create new rhymes as two supplementary methods, and briefly explains why rhymes are still used in his translation against the prevailing trend of unrhymed poetry writing and translation. Though different methods have different degrees of salience in a specific translated poem, the two supplementary rhyming methods best show Hawkes’ creativity and distinguish him as a great translator.