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Abstract Abstract: This study analyzes the English translation notes of Li Sao given by Stephen Owen, Burton Watson and David Hawkes with a purpose to reveal the similarities and differences in their construction of the “cultural hero” images, “beauty” image, “shaman” image and “god (godess)” images. It applies image study and Chinese exegetics to the analyses of the different manifestations and the implied cultural values, academic thoughts and cultural attitude of the three translators. The results show that in the three notes, the construction of cultural images has a general tendency: Owen tends to sanctify images of the Confucian saints and establish the apotheosis images of the Chinese mythic figures; Watson secularizes the Confucian and Taoist images; Hawkes reaches a compromise of the images between China and the West. It is concluded that both Owen and Watson follow the exegetical interpretation of ancient Chinese Chu Ci scholars in their translation notes, while Hawkes inherits the Chinese tradition and adapts to the acceptance of the Western readers. However, the three translators inevitably misread Chinese cultural images due to their native Western cultural identities and their lack of adequate literature concerned. Nevertheless, such sinologists’ notes will contribute to the translation annotation and transgression of more Chinese cannoned works into the world.
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