论现代奇幻小说的界定与价值

On the Definition and Value of Fantasy Novels in Modern Times

作为一种新兴、独立的故事文体,现代奇幻小说与科幻小说一样属于幻想文学的一支,它最初在神话复苏与反理性主义思潮的冲击下形成,并表现出独特的文学内涵与艺术价值。经过一百多年的发展,现代奇幻小说在创作上取得了不俗的实绩,但与之相关的理论建构却始终处于相对薄弱的状态,其文类界定与价值判断也尚缺乏一个相对客观的认知与评判。事实上,在对现代奇幻小说的文类边界进行判定时,既应追溯其源流,也应观采其发展。除此以外,现代奇幻小说的诞生与繁荣也喻示着现代文化的又一次转向,它在与流行文化合流的过程中既呈现出与以往小说作品大异其趣的艺术魅力,同时也为批判现代文明提供了新的路径与窗口。

As an novel and independent modern storytelling genre,modern fantasy novels,like science fiction,are a branch of fantasy literature.They are initially formed under the impact of mythological revival and anti rationalist trends,and exhibit unique literary connotations and artistic values.After more than a hundred years of evolution,they have achieved remarkable outcomes,but the theoretical construction related to them has always been relatively weak,and their genre definition and value judgment still lack a relatively objective cognition and evaluation.In fact,when determining the genre boundaries of modern fantasy novel,we should not only trace their origins,but also observe their development.In addition,their birth and prosperity also symbolize another turn in modern culture.In the process of merging with popular culture,they not only present an artistic charm that is different from previous novels,but also provide a new path and perspective for criticizing modern civilization.