1. Introduction

Literary translation is the foundation of translation practice and theoretical research. Toury proposed two interpretations of literary translation, pointing out that the original text may become a literary work through translation, while the translated work may no longer be a literary work. The translation of Chinese literature faces the challenge of maintaining its literary quality. Re translation is closely related to the globalization and classicization of ethnic literature, promoting the formation of the classic status of works. Re translation is a creative writing technique aimed at enriching and expanding the interpretation of the original text. Bassnett emphasizes the real generative process of understanding literary translation, while Jones suggests that evaluating translation quality and studying the process of translating non poetic literature are key to future research. It is of great value to conduct in-depth research on the generation process of classic translations of world literature or famous translators.

2. Research on the Process of Literary Translation

This chapter explores a new paradigm for the study of literary translation processes, emphasizing the importance of translated manuscripts in research and pointing out the neglect of individual translators and text networks in the translation process in existing studies. Taking the English translation of "Dream of the Red Chamber" as an example, this paper analyzes the translation preparation and ideological formation process of Hawkes' translation, as well as the reference and intertextual system in the translation process, aiming to provide new perspectives and methods for translation process research and translation criticism.

3. Research methods and corpus

This chapter explores the translation process of Hawkes' translation of "Dream of the Red Chamber", using the theory of intertextuality and the triangulation method. The study constructed a text network for the translation process, analyzed translation preparation, translation thought formation, and intertextual system. The corpus includes Huo Yi's published works, manuscripts, notes, academic papers, oral historical materials, previous translations, and commentaries. Hawkes' manuscript is currently housed in the library of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and his "English Translation Notes" document the translation process. Academic papers are mainly included in "Classical, Modern, and Humanistic: Essays on Chinese Literature", and oral historical materials include interviews and reports by Hawkes and Minford. The English versions before Huo's version include the translations of Rob Dan, Mei Huili, Bao La, Qiao Li, Wang Jizhen, McHugh sisters and Bonsol. The study reveals the intertextual system of translation preparation process, translation ideas, and translations through close reading of texts and triangulation.

4. Translation preparation

Explored in depth the preparation work for Hawkes' translation of 'Dream of the Red Chamber', including systematic learning and trial writing segments. During his studies at Peking University, Hawkes began to systematically study "Dream of the Red Chamber" and showed his translated fragments to friends in 1950. His translation style gradually matured through continuous modification and improvement, especially in the translation of poetry and literary genres. In the early days, he did not pay attention to formal issues such as rhyme and syllables, but later he paid more attention to rhythm and sense of rhythm.

5. Restoration of Translation Process

In the process of translating "Dream of the Red Chamber", the reference from previous translations is an indispensable part. Early translators such as Bao La, Wang Jizhen, and Bangsol have all referred to the work of their predecessors. Bao La annotated the references in the translation, while Wang Jizhen compared Robert Dan's translation in the introduction. Although Hawkes' translation was not explicitly marked, it was recorded in the "Notes" that it referred to Wang Jizhen's translation. When translating, Hawkes not only referred to previous translations, but also conducted in-depth research on Chinese classics such as "Dream Liang Lu" to ensure accurate communication of cultural connotations. Hawkes' translation ideas are in line with Bao La's style, and the two exhibit similarities in translation style, such as in the handling of poetry translation.

6. Conclusion

The translation preparation process and the formation of translation ideas for Hawkes' English translation of "Dream of the Red Chamber" were deeply studied through the perspectives of text intertextuality and triangulation. The translation process lasted for more than 20 years, cultivating the translator's profound understanding of the original work and literary value beliefs, forming the idea of pursuing complete translation and literary translation. Huo's translation is based on the intertextuality of the original text, research literature, source language literary translation, and Western literature, integrating Chinese literary traditions and Western literary literacy to construct a comprehensive translation framework. Translation principles include overall literary quality, editorial rigor, equal emphasis on form and meaning in poetry translation, and lively dialogue between characters. These principles are based on objective evaluation of previous translations and analysis of issues with the original text. Huo's translation also involves other translation systems such as poetry translation, image visualization, and character discourse. The success and classic status of Hawkes' translations are attributed to his academic accumulation, literary talent, and love for the original work. The translator's identity, ability, and emotions are the key to the success of the translation. The systematic study of translators' manuscripts, notes, printed editions, papers, oral materials, communications, and research reviews is of great value for the translation process and the investigation of translation history.