A Study on the Narrative Tradition of Chinese Literature

"A Study on the Narrative Tradition in Chinese Literature" by Professor Dong Naibin offers a revolutionary exploration into the often-overlooked narrative tradition within Chinese literary history. Written in the Chinese language and translated by Dr. Feng Qi, this seminal work challenges the dominant scholarly focus on the lyrical tradition, presenting a compelling argument for the parallel and equally significant development of narrative forms. Professor Dong Naibin, a distinguished scholar with an illustrious career in Chinese literary studies, utilizes a diachronic approach to trace the origins and evolution of narrative elements from ancient Chinese characters to modern literary expressions. This book delves into various genres, including historical biographies, classic poetry, Yue-fu songs, prose writings, drama, and novels, revealing the intricate interplay between narrative and lyrical traditions. The book is meticulously structured, beginning with an introduction that sets the stage for understanding the dual traditions in Chinese literature. It proceeds through twelve chapters, each dedicated to different aspects and periods of narrative development, from the earliest Chinese characters and ancient literary criticism to the narrative patterns in Yuan drama and novels written in classical Chinese language. Professor Dong’ s analysis is both comprehensive and groundbreaking, offering fresh perspectives that invite scholars and readers worldwide to reevaluate the rich tapestry of Chinese literary history. His work has been widely acclaimed in academic circles, making it an essential resource for university professors, postgraduate students, and anyone interested in the profound heritage of Chinese literature. This book stands out not only for its in-depth research and innovative arguments but also for its contribution to a more balanced understanding of Chinese literary traditions. It is a significant addition to the field, poised to inspire further studies and discussions on the narrative aspects of Chinese literature. Key Features: The first systematic exploration of the narrative tradition in Chinese literature. Challenges the long-held belief in the dominance of the lyrical tradition. Comprehensive analysis covering multiple genres and historical periods. Widely acclaimed by scholars for its originality and scholarly rigor. Essential reading for experts, students, and anyone interested in Chinese literary history.

Dong Naibin graduated from Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Fudan University in 1963 and began to work at Institute of Chinese Literature, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), where he earned his MA in 1983. He became a research professor and was awarded the title of “ Young and Middle-aged Expert with Outstanding Contributions” in 1993. From 1994 to 1998, he worked as vice director of Institute of Chinese Literature as well as professor and doctorial supervisor at the Graduate School of CASS. Dr. Feng Qi is a professor of English and a Ph.D. supervisor. His research focuses on Theoretical Linguistics and its applications. He holds several significant part-time positions, including serving as a Communication Evaluation Expert for National Social Science Fund Projects, an Appraisal Expert for National Social Science Fund Project Achievements, and a Paper Evaluation Expert at the China National Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Data Centre.

0. Introduction: Lyrical and Narrative Traditions as the Central Clue for Understanding the Chinese Literary History 0.1 Research Motivations 0.2 Lyrical Tradition in Chinese Literature 0.3 Lyrical Tradition vs. Narrative Tradition 0.4 Survey of Narrative Tradition in Chinese Literature and Structure of the Book Chapter I Formation of Chinese Characters and Ancient Narrative Thinking 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Characters Related to Primordial Memories 1.2 Iconic Characters that Reflect the Life of Chinese Ancestors 1.3 The Ancient Narrative Thinking Reflected in the Formation of Chinese Characters Chapter II Discussions on Narrative Tradition in Ancient Literary Criticism: A Case Study of The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons (Part 1) 2.0 Introduction 2.1 Discussions in Chapters of Tracing the Origin of Dao and Modeling on the Classics 2.2 Discussions in the Five Chapters Including A Proper Understanding of Apocrypha and Interpreting Fu 2.3 Discussions in Hymn and Eulogy and Inscription and Admonition 2.4 Discussions in Mourning-Songs and Epitaphs, Laments and Condolences and Historical Writing 2.5 Discussions in Eleven Chapters Including Miscellaneous Writings 2.6 Summary of Viewpoints on Narration in the Case Chapter III Discussions on Narrative Tradition in Ancient Literary Criticism: A Case Study of Generality of Historiography (Part 2) 3.0 Introduction 3.1 Historical Works Examined 3.2 Due Recognition of Narration 3.3 Emphasis on the Principle of Truthfulness 3.4 High Standard for Accuracy and Conciseness 3.5 Literary Significance of Narrative Concepts 3.6 The Generality of Historiography as a Milestone in the Development of Narrative Tradition Chapter IV Historical Biographies and Literary Narration: A Case Study of The New Book of Tang 4.0 Introduction 4.1 Explanatory Interventions 4.2 Commentary Interventions 4.3 Judgmental Narration 4.4 Narrative Intervention and the Narrator’ s Subject Consciousness Chapter V Narrative Analysis of Classical Poetry 5.0 Introduction 5.1 Narrative Factors in Poems and Lyrics 5.2 Relations between Poems and Events 5. 3 Implied Author in Lyrics 5.4 A Case Study on Narration in Li Shangyin’ s Poems CHAPTER VI Narrative Methods of Yuefu Poems 6.0 Introduction 6.1 Narration: A Major Feature of Yuefu Poems 6.2 Types of Narration in Han Yuefu Poems 6.2.1 Yuefu Songs for Royal Temple Ceremonies, Sacrificial Activities and Folk Festivals 6.2.2 Yuefu Songs Related to Current Social Events or Contemporary Political Conditions 6.2.3 Folk Songs and Lyrics based on General Social Life 6.2.4 The Narration of Yuefu Concerning Warfare 6.2.5 The Narration of Yuefu Concerning Women’ s Life 6.2.6 The Narration of Yuefu Concerning Historical Themes 6.2.7 The Narration of Yuefu Concerning Wandering Immortals 6.2.8 Allegorical Yuefu Narration 6.3 Narrative Techniques in Han Yuefu Poems 6.4 Narrative Development in Yuefu Poems after Wei and Jin Dynasties 6.4.1 Weakening of Narration in the Wei and Jin Dynasties and Sentimental Beauty of the Literate Yuefu Poems 6.4.2 Elegant and Robust Narration of Yuefu Poems: Romanticism in the Southern Dynasties and Heroism in the Northern Dynasties 6.5 Narration in Yuefu Poems in Tang Dynasty Chapter VII Narrative Characteristics of Tang Rhapsodies 7.0 Introduction 7.1 Topics Suitable for Narration 7.2 Narrator’ s Imaginative Power 7.3 Narrative Structure of Dialogues 7.4 Spatial Narration in Tang rhapsodies 7.5 From Storytelling to Characterization 7.6 Preface Narrative and the Rhetoric in Tang Rhapsody Chapter ? Narration in Ancient Prose 8.0 Introduction 8.1 Linear Historical Accounts 8.2 Narration Methods in the Spring and Autumn Annals and a Literary Taste of Legend of Spring and Autumn Century 8.3 Narration in Classical Chinese by Pre-Qin Chinese Philosophers 8.4 Emotional Expression in Prose Narration 8.5 Concise with a Profound Meaning as a