“汉高斩蛇”故事新解——兼论历史故事研究的方法论

New Explanation of Hangao Chopping the Snake——Also on the research methodology of historical stories

对历史故事的解读,可从表象层、思想层和动机层三个层次展开。在秦汉时期,"汉高斩蛇"故事的表象层并无太大变化,但其思想层、动机层却经历了三次变迁。在秦末,刘邦集团出于战胜秦军、期冀举事成功的动机,以兵阴阳学"因五胜"的思想观念加工创作出"汉高斩蛇"故事。西汉早中期,统治者出于建构政治合法性的目的,将其作为昭示天命的符应。到了西汉后期,因统治危机加剧,又从中挖掘出了火德的价值,以新五德终始说、谶纬神学为思想元素来重构汉室的政治合法性。在对历史故事的研究中,深入剖析其层次结构,并保持对历史变动的敏锐洞察力,心存察变的立场,不失为一种可行的研究方法。

Interpretation of historical stories can be unfolded on three levels: the phenomenon,ideology and motive.In Qin and Han dynasties,there were not big changes on the superficial level,but the ideology and motive levels had undergone three transitions. To probe into the structure and keep keen insight into the historical changes while studying historical stories is a feasible research methodology.