Accept And Interpretation: Stream Of Consciousness Novel Poetics In China (1979-1989)

Since the writers of insight in Chinese modem literature tried to "search for new ideas from the outside world", the poetics of the novels of stream of consciousness, referring to the integration of the theories and means of Western representatives of stream of consciousness, began to move staggering into the new period (1979-1989) and, as a breakthrough, touched off a revolution in artistic narration. In regard to the growth of Chinese literature, the revolution played a historic and transferring role in the narrative art of Chinese modem literature, from the description of the outer social history to the inner conscious structures and complexity of human nature. In terms of the exchange between Chinese literature and foreign literature, the revolution opened a new page of the "reception", to which was not given special attention in the study of China/Foreign literary relations in the 20 century, but is really worth reviewing and explanation.This page shows us the major achievements: the adhering to the reception standpoint of "ego-centeredness" and the new elements appearing in artistic narration. However, permeating the surface of the achievements, we feel some conspicuous "historical regrets": firstly, the mentality of "belonging to me" was excessive, that is, whatever the "others" have, I will have. Secondly, the phenomenon of "each does things in his own way", as a whole, was more serious in the circles of Chinese literature. Thirdly, the influence of the so-called "Oriental stream of consciousness" on other countries was, in fact, rather limited. Fourthly, it became fashionable to catch up with one after another the most advanced in the development of world literature. These "historical regrets", which existed as problems, did not seem stale and lonely. The obvious current defects are the responses to the problems. We have no aesthetic classical works that are remarkable and impressive to the world; we have no "hot topics" put forward directly by Chinese literary world, which has drawn the world attention. For those who are very much concerned over the healthy development of Chinese literature, can they restrain themselves from feeling anxiety about the realities originating from the historic interpretation of the "reception"?Only those who have active spirits will seek space for their own activities. The "anxieties" can be dispelled only by "taking action". In order to have its positive effects, however, we have to envisage the fact: when we attempt to correct a defect of some kind, a wise way is to consider its relevant factors in the system. Otherwise, we can only remove its symptoms, but not eliminate the source of the trouble. Considering from the angle of the relations between Chinese literature and foreign literature, it is not difficult for us to recognize that the problems (in view of our national conditions) behind the "historical regrets" of the "obvious defects" is that of system operation. The system operation itself emphasizes that the whole is bigger than the sum of the parts, for it needs the joint efforts from all sides to promote the healthy development of Chinese literature, by keeping forging ahead for improvement and development, in order that the characteristics of mankind and humanity of our own can be attached to the expressions of the contemporary advanced world literature, and will be accepted happily by the readers with different ideas and concepts. It is a strategy of existence in the relation with the foreign literature in the 21st century; and it is a prerequisite to our national literature to build up confidence and to develop.