Vortex In Ezra Pound’s Translation Of Shih Ching

Based on Ezra Pound’s Vorticism,with full consideration of his creative translation,this thesis analyzes Pound’s translation of Shih Ching by comparing Pound’s translations with other translators’ versions,such as Karlgren’s and Legge’s,and the original poems.It is aimed at exploring the vortex energy contained in Shih Ching,which is well shown in three aspects--the language energy,the energy of rhythm,and the energy of cultures.Language energy is tremendously manifested in Pound’s Shih Ching.It is mainly shown by the precise selection of words(the expression of images)and the integration of verses.In terms of the expression of images,precise words are used to juxtapose,reproduce and recreate images,thus the static images become dynamic ones making the translations full of energy.In terms of the integration of verses,meaningless contents are deleted and thus the original poems are integrated into new ones.It also can be seen that the most brief and concise language is used to vividly reproduce the original poem and to recreate English grammar.From words to verses,the language energy in Shih Ching is gradually presented by Pound.Pound’s Shih Ching absorbs the form and rhythm of Chinese poetry and in some degree he recreates the Chinese poetic form.In terms of absorption,Shih Ching imitates the repetition and rhythm of Chinese poetry but he’s made some changes.All these varying rhythm patterns make the translations full of musicality.In terms of recreation,the arrangement of poetic lines in Pound’s Shih Ching is different from that in the original poems.In some poems,the lines are split up and some lines are indented.Such lines make a tremendous visual impact.Chinese and Western cultures are both reflected in Shih Ching.In Shih Ching,Confucianism interpreted by Pound is delivered to the Western readers in order to innovate Western society.At the same time,Shih Ching also shows the modern traditions which are desperately needed by the Western world.Chinese and Western cultures are closely connected by “vortex” to enlighten the Western people.Based on Vorticism,Pound creatively translates Shih Ching with poetic thoughts thus making Shih Ching full of infinite energy.Some mistranslations can be caused due to this kind of creative translation and rewriting.However,Pound’s Shih Ching is consistent with the emotion of the original poems and even surpasses the original poems in some degree.Pound deeply explores the vortex energy in Shih Ching,which makes the translation obtain a perpetually self-renewing expression of energy.