18世纪英国小说的叙事形式与女性形象建构——以《克拉丽莎》和《汤姆·琼斯》为例

Narrative Forms and Female Image Construction of British Novels in 18th Century:A Case Study of Clarissa and Tom Jones

塞缪尔·理查逊和亨利·菲尔丁是18世纪英国小说的杰出代表,前者以书信体小说开创了新的文学高度,后者则以其“散文体史诗”描绘了丰富多彩的英国社会景象。理查逊运用书信体叙事突出了克拉丽莎的内心情感和道德挣扎,强调了个体情感体验和道德判断;而菲尔丁的《汤姆·琼斯》则通过全知叙事的广阔视角,更注重苏菲娅在社会和人际关系中的角色和影响,创造了更为多元和综合的女性形象。2种叙事形式在塑造女性形象方面各有优劣,前者可能导致对人物的认识不够全面客观,后者则有可能造成人物形象的类型化和扁平化。这2种叙事形式都反映了当时社会对女性的固有观念和道德标准,为18世纪的女性形象呈现了多元和丰富的视角。理查逊通过克拉丽莎的遭遇关注女性在道德和社会规范中的地位,呼吁关注妇女权益和尊严,并对当时社会的婚姻观念提出了质疑;而菲尔丁则通过女性形象对18世纪社会的社会道德和伦理观念进行了犀利的讽刺和批判。

Samuel Richardson and Henry Fielding are the outstanding representatives of British novels in the 18th cen⁃tury.The former pioneered the epistolary novel,while the latter depicted a rich tapestry of British society through his"epic in prose."Richardson's use of the epistolary form accentuates the inner emotions and moral struggles of characters like Clarissa,emphasizing individual emotional experiences and moral judgments.On the other hand,Fielding's Tom Jones,with its omni⁃scient narration,focuses more on Sophia's role and influence in society and interpersonal relationships,creating a more di⁃verse and comprehensive female image.Both narrative forms have their advantages and drawbacks in shaping female charac⁃ters.The epistolary form may result in a less comprehensive and objective understanding of characters,while omniscient nar⁃ration could lead to the stereotyping and flattening of character images.Both forms reflect the inherent societal views and mor⁃al standards regarding women at the time,presenting a multifaceted perspective on female images in the 18th century.Rich⁃ardson's portrayal of Clarissa's experiences highlights the status of women in moral and societal norms,advocating for atten⁃tion to women's rights and dignity,and questioning societal views on marriage.Meanwhile,Fielding's depiction of female characters serves as a sharp satire and critique of the social morals and ethics of the 18th century.