西方文论关键词 隐性进程

Covert Progression:A Keyword in Critical Theory

"隐性进程"是从头到尾与情节发展并列运行的叙事暗流,两者以各种方式互为补充或者互为颠覆。隐性进程对表达作品的主题意义和审美价值起着十分重要的作用,邀请读者做出与对情节发展大相径庭甚或截然不同的反应。隐性进程有别于以往批评界所关注的情节的各种深层意义,其反讽也有别于其他种类的反讽。在存在隐性进程的作品中,若仅仅看到情节发展,就会片面理解甚至严重误解作品的主题意义、人物形象和艺术价值。以往的阐释框架、理论概念和批评模式都是在情节发展这种单一叙事进程的基础上建构的,因此严重束缚了阅读视野,导致对不少作品中隐性进程的视而不见。为了发现和解释隐性进程,不仅需要打破长期批评传统的束缚,而且需要拓展相关理论框架和研究模式。

"Covert progression"refers to the powerful hidden dynamic paralleling the plot development throughout the text.The two narrative dynamics either complement or subvert each other in various ways.The covert progression plays a very important role in conveying the thematic and aesthetic significance of the text,inviting readers to respond to the text in a different or even opposite way.This undercurrent is distinct from various kinds of deeper meaning as already investigated.In those narratives containing a covert progression behind the plot development,only paying attention to the latter will result in a partial or false picture of the thematic import,character images,and aesthetic values of the text.Existing interpretive frames,theoretical concepts and critical models are invariably based only on the plot development,which hinder readers’perception of the covert progression.In order to uncover the hidden dynamic,we need to break free of the bondage of the long critical tradition and to extend the relevant frameworks,concepts and models.