“主题原型”与新时期小说创作

"Thematic Archetypes" and Novel Writing in China's New Era

在汉语言文化背景下,对西方的"原型批评"概念有必要进行本土化阐释。在中国民间故事、传说与新时期小说的联系中,存在着四种"主题原型":一是人与自然共生共存;二是人经历考验、发挥潜能;三是在神奇幻境的书写中表达对现实的不满;四是批判重利轻义、贪得无厌的物化人格。这些"主题原型"在新时期小说中的呈现形态、置换动力、现实文化意义和美学价值,反映了作家对"现代性"的反思和本土审美意识的觉醒。另外,中国传统民间文化和文学所包含的"天人合一"的世界观、"重义轻利"的人生观、肯定道德生命人格的价值观等,有可能成为我们回应当下生活、重建生活诗学、提升文化品格的重要的精神资源。

Against the backdrop of Chinese culture,this paper offers a localized explanation of the Western concept of 'archetypal criticism.' It proposes that four 'thematic archetypes' can be observed in the relations between folklore,legends and the novel in the new era(since reform and opening up) in China.The first is the coexistence of man and nature;the second,enduring suffering and realizing one's potential;the third,discontent with reality expressed in writing about imaginary worlds;and the last,criticism of the materialistic personality which places material gain above justice and lusts after gain.The presentation,dynamics of change,practical and cultural meanings and aesthetic values of these 'thematic archetypes' in the novels of the new era reveal writers' reflections on 'modernity' and the awakening of aesthetic consciousness in relation to their own land.This paper also argues that the world outlook that pursues harmony between man and nature,the view of life that prefers justice to material gain,and the values that affirm morality,life and human dignity contained in traditional Chinese folk culture and literature may supply us with important spiritual resources for responding to contemporary life,rebuilding the poetry of life and raising the quality of culture.