Novel Historical Consciousness Research

Novels have close relationship with history over the past thousands of years. No matter whether in China or in western countries, a large number of history works are full of poetry wisdom and imagination, many novels are rich in historical consciousness and spirits of the authors. Apart from this, the aim, structure and the way of narration of historical works gave examples to novel creation and criticism in early stage, Ancient myth and epic, historical legends and historical characters and events never stop their way in marching towards the world of novels. Above all, 'history' experienced from flowers to honey or from rice to liquor, the process of which is a leap, distillation and creation. It has been converted into a spirit and awareness which run through novels, and thus closely integrated with novels. Historical consciousness is a mode of thinking which can span specific time and space and probe into life, society and the world. In the process of creation, reading and criticism of novels, all its historical consciousness is expressed through the admiration and respect to the history and cultural traditions, the respect of history and the truth of essence, striding proudly ahead when retrospecting, the exploration of reality and planning for future, the open awareness of spanning time and space, pessimistic narration of life and history, being the first to become concerned with the world's troubles and the last to rejoice in its happiness. This dissertation tries to break through the limitations of literature and aesthetic judgment and introduce 'history' as the visual angle and reference of the study of novels. The relationship between novels and history is discussed systematically under the Chinese and western background, absorbing relevant theories and methods of social science, history, philosophy, epic, and culture. Based on 'history' and 'historical consciousness, this paper takes up and demonstrates the rich connotation and specific constitution of historical consciousness in Chinese and foreign novels, revealing the unique character and classics in novels full of historical consciousness. In the meantime, the author appeals to times and writers for historical consciousness and pursuit of historical mission.