I like your comparison of the final couplets in Baochai and Daiyu’s poems. It really does show how Daiyu wants to be close with others, while Baochai always makes sure to keep a respectful distance. Sometimes, however, it feels as though the “real” Daiyu only comes out when she writes poetry. I wonder if you agree.
Regarding poetry translations there is a rather humorous book titled "Nineteen Ways of looking at Wang Wei" in which the author critiques 19 translations of a single 1300 year old 20 character poem. It really gets to the difficulty with keeping the authors voice while trying to present the feeling of it.
I like your comparison of the final couplets in Baochai and Daiyu’s poems. It really does show how Daiyu wants to be close with others, while Baochai always makes sure to keep a respectful distance. Sometimes, however, it feels as though the “real” Daiyu only comes out when she writes poetry. I wonder if you agree.
Oh yeah for sure. Often when Lin Daiyu speaks she isn't directly saying what she wants, it's more akin to self-deprecation.
Regarding poetry translations there is a rather humorous book titled "Nineteen Ways of looking at Wang Wei" in which the author critiques 19 translations of a single 1300 year old 20 character poem. It really gets to the difficulty with keeping the authors voice while trying to present the feeling of it.