“文学是什么”与“什么是文学”

"Literature Is Something" and "Something Is Literature"

"文学是什么"是在确立"某种东西是文学"的观念之后对文学所作的系统解说,但文学观念的确立受到时代与地域的严重制约;而"什么是文学"则意在追问:在任何以语言为工具的言说方式之中,什么样的言说方式可以称之为文学——它要求对文学作一纯粹先天的判断。文学是一种语言现象,同样具有交流与传达的基本功能。根据交流与传达的基本要素,可以建立关于文学的先天普遍法则:(1)说不可说,必然是譬喻形容,而以警拔脱俗为上。(2)说不易说,必然是铺陈描述,而以尽而不汙为上。(3)说不能说,必然是隐晦含蓄,而以微而能显为上。(4)说不屑说,必然是绚文巧饰,而以夸而中节为上。文学不是非功利的,根据文学的言说动机,可以建立关于文学的先验范畴体系。而文学范畴内部的概念中介性是文学逻辑演变的内在根据。文学本身就是一种"自觉"的言说,所谓"魏晋为中国文学的自觉时代",缺乏学理根据。

By ＂literature is something＂, we mean a systematical explanation of literature, and this concept, circumscribed by times and regions, only comes after ＂something is literature＂. But, for ＂ something is literature＂, the implied meaning is： among so many discourse modes as language tools, which one can be called literature, that is, demanding a pure inherent judgment. Literature as linguistic phenomena also posses- ses the basic function of intercourse and communication. And according to this function, the inherent general principles of literature can be established： （1） for something only being understood, use metaphor in such a way that deep impression is given up; （2） for something difficult to express, although describing in detail, do not waste lines; （3） for something unable to say out, be sure to depict in an understated way, stopping where it should stop; （4） for something disdained to portray, be modified by elegance, with limited exaggeration. Literature is utilitarian, according to which, the inherent categorical system of literature can be established. And the conceptual intermediary within literary category is the inner basis of logic literary evolution. Literature itself is a ＂conscious＂ discourse. So the argument of ＂ the Wei and Jin dynasties are of the age of literary consciousness＂ lacks a theoretical support.