





































Education, Language and Sociology Research 

ISSN 2690-3644 (Print) ISSN 2690-3652 (Online) 

Vol. 5, No. 1, 2024 

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147 
 

Original Paper 

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 

Jinyan Gu1 

1 School of English Studies, Xi’an International Studies University, Xi’an, China 

 

Received: February 15, 2024     Accepted: March 1, 2024     Online Published: March 18, 2024 

doi:10.22158/elsr.v5n1p147      URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/elsr.v5n1p147 

 

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. 

Keywords 

Dream of the Red Chamber, Jia Tanchun, English translation, characterization 

 



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1. Introduction 

1.1 Background of the Study 

Dream of the Red Chamber is a precious treasure in the history of ancient Chinese literature and is widely 

regarded as one of the classics of world literature. With the growing interest in Chinese literature 

worldwide, the attention of western readers to Dream of the Red Chamber is also increasing. However, 

due to linguistic and cultural differences, the challenge of accurately translating this cultural treasure into 

other languages is enormous. Especially in the English-speaking world, translators’ efforts have yielded 

mixed results. Jia Tanchun is a key character role in the book, and her portrayal demonstrates the complex 

and rich characterization of the work. However, different English translations tend to present slightly 

different images of Jia Tanchun. Therefore, this study aims to take the English translations of Dream of 

the Red Chamber translated by Hawkes and Yang Xianyi as an example to analyze the ways of portraying 

Jia Tanchun’s character and translation strategies in different translations. In this era of globalization, the 

importance of cross-cultural communication and literary translation is becoming more and more 

prominent. By deeply analyzing the interpretation of Jia Tanchun’s image by different translators, we can 

reveal the ways of characterization in different cultural contexts. This can not only expand our 

understanding of Dream of the Red Chamber, but also be of great significance to the study of cross-

cultural communication and literary translation. The study of the characterization of Jia Tanchun focuses 

on the choices and expressions of different translators in the translation process, as well as the differences 

in the translators’ understanding of the image of Jia Tanchun in the original text. By comparing the 

translations of different versions, we can explore in depth the influence of translation on the interpretation 

of the characterization, and at the same time, we can also understand the cultural factors and concepts 

behind different translations. This will provide new perspectives for us to better understand and 

appreciate the value and influence of Dream of the Red Chamber in the international arena. To sum up, 

this study takes the English translations of Dream of the Red Chamber translated by Hawkes and Yang 

Xianyi as an example in the context of globalization, aiming to explore the ways in which the character 

of Jia Tanchun is portrayed in different English translations. This is of great practical and theoretical 

significance for expanding our understanding of the work and delving into cross-cultural translation and 

literary studies. 

1.2 Significance of the Study 

(1) Revealing the differences in the presentation of Jia Tanchun’s image in different English translations: 

Jia Tanchun, as a character in Dream of the Red Chamber rich in talent, managerial ability, scholarly 

cultivation and ability to handle affairs, may have a different image in different English translations. 

Studying the variations of Jia Tanchun’s image can reveal the translators’ tendency to select and present 

specific features, and understand the translators’ interpretation of the character’s image in A Dream of 

Red Mansions and the translation’s target audience’s frame of reference. 

(2) Exploring the interaction between translation strategies and target cultures: Translation is a process 

of linguistic and cultural transformation, and how Jia Tanchun’s image of “three talents” is transformed 



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in the English translation is a question worth exploring. Studying the translation strategies and techniques 

of different translators can provide insight into the importance and choice of the author’s image in cross-

cultural translation. In addition, translation strategies can also reflect the target culture’s perception of 

the characteristics of the image and the translator’s understanding of the target readers. 

(3) Providing reference for comparative literature research: Dream of the Red Chamber is a masterpiece 

of Chinese literature, which has had a profound impact on world literature. The study of the English 

translation of Jia Tanchun’s image contributes to the further development of the field of comparative 

literature research. By comparing the differences of Jia Tanchun’s image in different English translations, 

the unique charm of Chinese literary image in the process of acceptance and transformation of Western 

literature can be explored in depth, which reveals the way of presenting and effect of literary image in 

cross-cultural communication. 

In conclusion, this dissertation studies the presentation of Jia Tanchun’s “three talents” in the English 

translation of Dream of Red Mansions, which is of great value to the fields of literary translation, cultural 

transformation and comparative literary studies. Through this study, we can gain a deeper understanding 

of the evolution of Jia Tanchun’s image and the choice of translation strategies, and provide new 

perspectives for the understanding of literary images in cross-cultural communication. 

1.3 Purpose of the Study 

(1) Analyzing the focus of different translations on Jia Tanchun’s image: By comparing and analyzing 

the translations of Hawkes and Yang Xianyi, the researcher can reveal the focus of the two translators on 

Jia Tanchun’s image. Different translations may differ in their expressions of Jia Tanchun’s “talent”, 

“talent in management”, “talent in learning”, and “talent in handling affairs”. There are differences in the 

expression of “talent”, “talent in management”, “talent in learning” and “talent in handling affairs”. By 

analyzing these differences, we can gain a deeper understanding of the translators’ understanding of Jia 

Tanchun’s portrayal and transformation strategies, as well as the portrayal of the character in different 

translations. 

(2) Revealing the influence of translation on the communication of literary characterization: Translation 

is a process of cross-cultural communication, in which the characterization of the original work is 

reproduced in the translation through linguistic transformation and cultural transfer. Studying different 

translators’ choice and portrayal of Jia Tanchun’s “three talents” can explore the importance of translation 

in literature and analyze the impact of the translation process on the communication of character image, 

thus broadening our understanding of literary translation. 

(3) Providing readers with a multi-dimensional understanding of Jia Tanchun’s image: Jia Tanchun is one 

of the most popular characters in Dream of the Red Chamber, and his attribute of “three talents” plays an 

important role in the novel. The study of Jia Tanchun’s image in different English translations can provide 

readers with a multi-dimensional understanding. Through this study, readers can gain an in-depth 

understanding of Jia Tanchun’s talents, managerial skills, academic cultivation, and ability to handle 

affairs, and reflect on the presentation and interpretation of these attributes in different translations. 



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In conclusion, this study can analyze the focus of different translations on the image of Jia Tanchun, 

reveal the impact of translation on image communication, and provide readers with a multi-dimensional 

understanding of Jia Tanchun’s image. 

 

2. Literature Review 

In analyzing Jia Tanchun’s image, scholars have explored it from different perspectives. Zhao Xiaomei 

(2017) analyzes Jia Tanchun’s character, ability and talent, describing her as a “玫瑰” of ice and jade, 

shrewdness and ambition, and unassuming. Lu et al. (2014), on the other hand, start from the tragedy of 

Jia Tanchun’s life and discuss the reasons behind the tragedy, including the pressure of the real social 

environment, the collapse of the family’s destiny, and the entanglement of the weak personal starting 

point and lofty ambitions. With the emergence of different versions of translations, scholars have begun 

to compare and analyze the differences between the translations and the original from the perspective of 

the translations. Among them, some scholars take Hawkes’s translation as a research object to explore its 

cognitive strategies in reshaping the female characters. In the original text, Jia Tanchun is praised as “敏” 

for her resourcefulness and cleverness, demonstrating the trait of resourcefulness and competence. 

Although she treats her birth mother, Aunt Zhao, with harsh words, she is essentially a noble lady, gentle 

and refined, and treats Aunt Zhao with respect and courtesy in her daily life. However, in Hawkes’ 

translation, Jia Tanchun’s shrewd majesty as an administrator is further emphasized. Her treatment of 

Aunt Zhao also becomes more sensitive and caustic. At the same time, her aristocratic qualities of 

elegance and propriety are weakened, transforming her from a politically minded lady to a purely shrewd 

administrator. This change had an impact on the portrayal of Jia Tanchun, thus giving her a slightly 

different image from the original in Hawkes’s translation. 

For the study of the English translation of Dream of the Red Chamber, scholars have approached it from 

different perspectives, including the translation of the language of the opera, translation strategies, 

translation of peculiar nouns, the narrative function of imagery, and cognitive translation studies. 

However, there have been fewer explorations of Jia Tanchun’s image in translation so far. Therefore, this 

paper takes two translations by Hawkes and Yang Xianyi as examples to explore the portrayal of Jia 

Tanchun’s image in the translations and the originals, supplementing the research gaps in this field. 

 

3. The Image of “Three Talents”—“Talent in Management”, “Talent in Learning”, and “Talent in 

Handling Affairs” 

3.1 Talent in Management 

In the translation of the title “敏探春兴利除宿弊”of the 56th chapter, Hawkes uses the word “resourceful” 

to describe “敏”. The choice of word is very accurate because “resourceful” means that “敏” appears to 

be very adaptable and resourceful, and she is able to flexibly utilize her skills and resources to solve 

problems. Such an adjective makes this image more vivid, and it also conveys her ingenuity in trying to 

solve the problems of the Jia Mansion. On the other hand, Yang chooses “clever” to translate “敏”. 



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Although it can also convey the meaning of cleverness, it’s a bit bland compared to “resourceful”, which 

emphasizes more on resourcefulness and less on her adaptability and creative thinking in the face of 

adversity. In the 74th chapter, Hawkes uses the words “hard mistress”, “obstructive”, and “affordably” 

to emphasize Tantun’s composure and calmness when facing the big right and wrong. Among them, “hard 

mistress” and “brand chief” in Yang’s translation highlight Tanshun’s firm and upright character, as if in 

the face of a crisis, she is still able to hold fast to her principles and does not allow her maids to be 

intruded upon. not to allow her maids to be intruded upon. 

Hawkes uses the expression “The beast with a thousand legs is a long time dying.” to convey Tantun’s 

metaphor of the gradual decline of the Jia Mansion. This shows the process of Jia Manison’s decline 

more vividly because it emphasizes the phrase “a long time dying”, implying that although the “千足之

虫” has been dealt a fatal blow, it will still take a long time for it to finally collapse. This expression helps 

readers to better understand the slow and continuous process of Jia Mansion’s decline. On the other hand, 

Yang’s “A centipede even when dead won’t fall to the ground.” conveys the similar meaning. Although 

Yang uses “dead”, the phrase “won’t fall to the ground” indicates that even though this “千足虫” has 

died, it still hasn’t completely collapsed. This can also be interpreted to mean that the Jaia Manison still 

maintains a certain amount of residual power its decline, or that the process of its downfall is slow and 

long-lasting. Overall, both Hawkes’s and Yang’s translations reflect Tangchun’s understanding of the 

state of the Jia Mansion and her talent for stewardship and governance. And while their subtle differences 

lie in the way they portray the process of the Jia Manison’s decline, both cut to the heart of what Tangchun 

is expressing. 

3.2 Talent in Learning 

Tanchun demonstrates excellent academic and intellectual abilities in Dream of the Red Chamber. Her 

use of language and her choice of terms of address show her keen insight and precise judgment of 

interpersonal relationships. For example, in her relationship with Aunt Zhao, Tantun does not have any 

affectionate feelings, so she habitually uses the word “you” to translate “姨娘”, which makes Tantun’s 

sensitive, self-respecting and self-reliant image more prominent. In other translations, the translator uses 

the word “madam”, which is more formal, but fails to express the true feelings of Tantun’s heart. There 

are more examples such as Hawkes’ use of “Lady Wang” and “Zhao guoji”, “mother’s brother” to 

translate “太太”, and “舅舅”. On the other hand, Yang uses “mistress” and “uncle”. Therefore, from the 

translation of predicates, it is easy to see that Hawkes’ translation pays more attention to the context and 

background, while Yang’s translation is closer to the text. From the differences in the translation of titles, 

we conclude that Tanshun has a strong sensitivity in character relationships, and this slightly 

contemptuous diction precisely subtracts from her image as a lady of the house and reinforces her own 

status as a commoner. In addition, in the dialogues in which Tantun commissions Bao Yu to buy 

something, moreover, in Tantun’s exchanges with other characters, her elegance and thoughtfulness are 

also shown. For example, in the dialog of entrusting Bao Yu to buy something, Tanchun uses the phrase 

“朴而不俗，直而不拙者” to describe the desired item. This phrase reflects her unique insight into 



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aesthetic taste. One translator translates it directly as “some things which are simple without being vulgar, 

and genuine instead of artificial”, while another chooses “The interesting things and the ones that are in 

good taste”, both of which have their own characteristics. However, Hawkes takes a more creative and 

personal approach to the translation, translating “simple without being vulgar” as “有趣的, interesting,” 

which more accurately conveys the meaning of what Tanchun is saying. 

In the chapter describing Tanchun, the best example of her talent is the letter Tanchun writes to Bao Yu 

to form a poetry club (37 Chapter). She skillfully employs several allusions, such as “采薪之患”, “莲

社”, “东山”, “棹雪”, “扫花”, and so on, to demonstrate her talent. The two translators have their own 

focus in translating these allusions, Yang adopts the literal meaning of the words, while Hawkes pays 

more attention to expressing the meaning of the context. For example, “I caught a chill in the dew” is 

used by Yang to represent physical discomfort, while Hawkes uses “I was lamentably indisposed”. In 

addition, Hawkes chooses to use “poetry clubs” to translate “莲社”, while Yang uses “Lotus society”. In 

translating “棹雪”, Hawkes used “rhyme” while Yang chose “condescend”. These choices make the 

translation closer to the original text and more vividly reproduce Tanchun’s talent and social skills. 

3.3 Talent in Handling Affairs 

In Dream of the Red Chamber, the description of the character Jia Tanchun not only utilizes rich 

expressions and actions, but also shapes her unique character image through the translation of these 

specific words. In particular, in the description of the demeanor and action of Tanchun’s laughing, the 

translators adopted different translation strategies, adding and subtracting some details, so as to show 

Tanchun’s different traits, namely, obedience and seriousness, in different occasions. In portraying 

Tangchun’s majestic image, the translators demonstrated Tangchun’s anger and determination through 

different word choices. For example, the words “登时沉下脸”, translated as “frown and fumed” (Yang) 

and “Tan-chun’s smile had vanished” (Hawkes). One translation of “脸白气噎；抽抽咽咽”, Yang uses 

“Tan-chun’s face was white with anger. Nearly choking with sobs she demanded” while Hawkes writes 

“Tan-chun went white, and for a moment anger deprived her of her breath. When she regained it she 

broke into louder sobs”, which expresses Tan-chun’s inner feelings of anger. What’s more, when 

translating “益发动了气”, Yang uses “This only enraged Tanchun more” and Hawkes translates it to 

“This made Tan-chun really angry”. 

In addition, in terms of action description, the translators chose different ways of expression to show 

Tanchun’s personality traits. For example, “Tossing her head” (Yang) and “Her chin went up defiantly” 

(Hawkes) emphasize Tanshun’s indifference and defiance respectively when translating “将头一扭”. The 

translation of “now powdering her face, smiled ironically at Pinger” (Yang) and “wiped the traces of tears 

from her face” (Hawkes) emphasize Tanschun’s indifference and defiance respectively when translating 

“一面匀脸，一面冷笑”. By comparing the translations of these details, we can see that Hawkes’ 

translation emphasizes Tanshun’s decisiveness and determination. His translation adopts some auxiliary 

words, such as “deprive”, “broke” and “defiantly”, which emphasize Tantun’s shrewdness, open-

mindedness and unconventional boldness in the scene. 



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In the description of Jia Tanchun’s character in the 37th and 55th chapters of Dream of the Red Chamber, 

many expressions and actions are used, and it is not difficult to see the characterization features of the 

character image by interpreting the translation of these specific words in the context of the time. In the 

translation of Tanshun’s “笑道” gesture and action, both translators adopted both augmented and 

abbreviated translations, such as omitting “道” and using “chuckle”, “smile”, “laugh”; and omitting “笑” 

and using “said”, “ask” or use different adjectives and adverbs to express, e.g. “pleasantly”, 

“challengingly”, “laughingly”; or emphasize the word “道” by using the phrase “call out”. This way of 

speaking from “道” to “呼喊、召唤” also reflects Tanchun’s two very different character traits of docility 

and seriousness on different occasions. 

To summarize, through the detailed description of Tanchun in Dream of Red Mansions, especially the 

translation of expression and action description, we can see that Tanchun possesses distinctive talents in 

dealing with affairs. Her characterization shows a variety of features such as obedience, seriousness, 

anger and decisiveness in different occasions, which makes her one of the characters hard to be ignored 

in this classic work. 

 

4. Conclusion 

By analyzing the “three talents” of Jia Tanchun in the English translations of Hawkes and Yang Xianyi, 

we can see that Jia Tanchun, as a complex and multi-faceted character, has interwoven talents in 

management, learning and handling with affairs, which together constitute his rich and three-dimensional 

personality and image. This thesis is of great significance in understanding Jia Tanchun’s image and in-

depth study of the translation of Dream of the Red Chamber. It also helps readers to understand and 

appreciate the literary classic Dream of the Red Chamber more comprehensively. 

 

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