文学母题:含义分化与本土应用

Literary Motif:Connotation Differentiation and Local Application

母题是文学理论、文学批评、民俗学与民间文学以及艺术史研究中一个经常被论及的概念,在其演进过程中大致形成了最小的叙事单位、叙事动力和题材、主题(原型)等含义。虽然在文学史研究中有泛化的倾向,但是经过形式主义、结构主义的洗礼,叙事单位与叙事动力已经成为主流。而在中国百年传播与流行的过程中,“母题”一开始就出现了泛化现象,题材与主题含义凸显,叙事单位、叙事动力的含义则被淡化。母题分析在文学艺术研究中仍然具有相当广泛的阐释力。

Motif is a frequently discussed concept in literary theory,literary criticism,folklore studies and art history.It has broadly developed diversified connotations involving minimal narrative unit,narrative drive,subject matter,and theme(archetype)during its evolution.Although the study of motif tends towards generalization in research of literary history,nowadays narrative unit and narrative drive have largely become dominant trends after the baptism of formalism.Comparatively,in its process of dissemination and popularity in China,“motif”emerged as a generalized phenomenon from the very beginning,in which the connotations of subject and theme have been highlighted,while the connotations of narrative unit and narrative motivation have been diluted.