“Thematic archetypes” and new era fiction

摘要

“”“”“”“”“”“” Against the backdrop of Chinese culture, this paper offers a localized explanation of the Western concept of “archetypal criticism.” It proposes that four “thematic archetypes” can be observed in the relations between folklore, legends and the novel in the new era (since reform and opening up) in China. The first is the coexistence of man and nature; the second, enduring suffering and realizing one's potential; the third, discontent with reality expressed in writing about imaginary worlds; and the last, criticism of the materialistic personality which places material gain above justice and lusts after gain. The presentation, dynamics of change, practical and cultural meanings and aesthetic values of these “thematic archetypes” in the novels of the new era reveal writers' reflections on “modernity” and the awakening of aesthetic consciousness in relation to their own land. This paper also argues that the world outlook that pursues harmony between man and nature, the view of life that prefers justice to material gain, and the values that affirm morality, life and human dignity contained in traditional Chinese folk culture and literature may supply us with important spiritual resources for responding to contemporary life, rebuilding the poetry of life and raising the quality of culture.