文学研究:本质主义,抑或关系主义

TLiterary Studies:Essentialism,or Relationism

本文讨论近期文学研究中围绕"本质主义"产生的争论,进而提出另一种称之为"关系主义"的理论模式。本文认为,文学必须置于多重文化关系网络之中加以研究,特定历史时期呈现的关系表明了文学研究的历史维度。在关系主义的视野之中,无论是文学性质、典型性格、文学之上一些著名概念还是文学经典都将因为复杂的关系网络而得到多重解释,而不是力图将结论还原到某种单一的"本质"。同时,研究者本身也是关系网络之一部分,而不是一个中立的、超然的客观观察点。

This paper discusses the debates around 'Essentialism' in recent literary studies,and further suggests a mode of theory called 'Relationism'.It holds that literature must be studied in the network of a multicultural relationship,and the relations that are presented in given historical moments show the historical dimension of their literary studies.Put in the horizon of relationism,the nature of literature,the characterization of typical characters,the well-known concepts and classics in the history of literature can all be interpreted owing to the complexity of the relational networks rather than reduced to a singular 'essence'.Meanwhile,the researcher becomes a part of the relation rather than a neutral and detached observer.