论《基列家书》中的记忆书写与宗教认同

On Memory Writing and Religious Identification in Marilynne Robinson's Gilead

在美国当代作家玛丽莲·罗宾逊的小说《基列家书》中,记忆是情节发展的内驱力,亦是把握这部小说思想、艺术内涵的重要视角,但在现有研究中它却少被论及。本文以记忆理论为视角,考察小说中记忆如何推动叙事者实现宗教认同的重构,由此展示出记忆在阐释作者对宗教、传统的文学表达中所体现的思想和艺术价值。本文认为,记忆在三个维度展开,帮助叙事者建构新的宗教认同。首先,记忆激活了叙事者的宗教认同和感知力,使其在遭遇认同危机时看到改善宗教现状的希望。其次,记忆使代际间情感与传统的断裂得以弥合,帮助叙事者意识到原有宗教观念的局限性,从而修正自己的宗教认同。最后,记忆帮助叙事者在历史语境中审视宗教的矛盾与悖论,反思宗教衰落的原因,形成具有人文主义色彩的宗教观,困扰其多年的认同危机也随之消失。

As the internal drive of the plot development in Gilead, memory provides an essential angle in comprehending the thematic and artistic concerns of the novel. The significance of which, however, has not been given due attention in the existing research. In light of memory theory, this paper scrutinizes the way memory propels the narrator to achieve identity-forming in religion, thus revealing the thematic and artistic value of memory in interpreting the author＇s literary representation of religion and traditions. The paper argues, individual memories in three dimensions give incentive to the narrator in the formation of the new religious identification. Firstly, memories enliven the narrator＇s religious identification and perceptions, promising a hopeful future for transmutation in religion for the narrator who is plagued by the crisis in identity-forming. Secondly, memories of the narrator mend the rifts between generations, making him realize the limitation of his religious notions. The realization facilitates his remedy of the religious identification. Finally, memories help the narrator recontextualize the religious tenets and reflect upon its innate contradictions and paradox. The contemplation of the decline of religion precipitates the narrator to embrace a religion with humanistic color, whereby the identity crisis that has, obsessed him for years is resolved.