A Study On The Origin And Extension Of The Theory Of Narrative Duration

French scholar Gerald ˙ Genette proposed the concept of "time distance" in his article "Narrative Discourse-Methodology" in "Three Sets of Figures of Speech",assuming the reference standard of "isochronous narration" to measure the change in the relationship between story time and narrative time.Since then,most scholars have expressed their views on the issue of time distance by referring to Genette’s time distance theory.The time distance theory is more abundant,and it is worth sorting out its establishment and development.Moreover,there is also a great deal of research space for the impact of time distance on its extensibility.This article combines the research results of Chinese and Western scholars on narrative time span,focusing on combing the development process and theoretical changes of time span in the West and China.The discussion of time span in the West mainly focuses on the narrative theory of British and American modern novels,the narrative theory of German Mueller and Lamert,and the structuralist narrative theory.With the efforts of many scholars,the western time span theory is gradually improving and maturing.The discussion of temporal distance in China has the same trajectory as the development of narratology in China,mainly focusing on the dissemination stage of the translation and introduction of Western temporal distance theory and the sinicization stage of Western temporal distance theory.Many scholars have made efforts to construct temporal distance theory with a local flavor.In addition,time span also has many extensional influences,such as the connection and influence of various forms of time span with narrative rhythm,narrative speed,story plot,story characters,narrative perspective,and other textual elements.They have diverse expressions and interpretations at both the story and text levels,infiltrating the author’s narrative intent,and serving the narrative purpose of the text.The study of narrative time distance theory has great value.It can deepen and expand the research scope of narratology,provide multiple options for constructing the meaning of narrative texts,and promote the exploration and innovation of narrative forms.However,the current time distance research also has certain limitations,mainly due to the ambiguity of reference standards,the feasibility of theoretical research and uncertainty in practical research,and the weakness of extensibility research.