A Study On The Essence Of The Novel: A Multi-dimentional Perspective

The Essence of the Novel by Tsubouchi Shoyo is the first systematic work on novel theory. The author criticized the literary concept tending towards moral didactics from Edo period to early Meiji period and put forward the feeling-centered realistic view on the novel, which was instrumental in ushering in the modern Japanese literature. Previously, it has been believed by many that the literary reform proposed in The Essence of the Novel was not of epoch-making significance since it had been found retaining many traditions of late Edo period. Therefore it has been deemed a transitional work rather than a work paving the way for the Japanese literary modernization.In interpreting and reviewing The Essence of the Novel, this paper first points out that The Essence of the Novel formulated a complete theoretical system on the novel, thus defying the view that it just a random collection of papers. It is therefore concluded that The Essence of the Novel was an epoch-making literary essay surpassing previous traditional Chinese and Japanese literary criticisms and novel reviews. Second, the paper argues that The Essence of the Novel succeeded in lifting the novel, which had been regarded as a vulgar genre, to the height of art and aesthetics. On account of that, the novel came to be accepted as the main literary genre and novelists came to be respected as the elite class. Thus the Japanese literary modernization accelerated as a growing number of intellectuals turned to literature and produced plenty of novels. Third, it is noted that The Essence of the Novel clearly defines the novel, arguing that the novel should break away from the old didactical approach and advocating new literature, thus transforming the event-centered novel into human feeling-centered one. This literary outlook sets the tone for the development of modern Japanese literature. Thenceforward, both subject matter and themes evolve around Tsubouchi Shoyo's heritage. Fourth, the paper elaborates on the innovative ideas on modern narrative theories. Specifically, the paper, proceeding from writing style, narrative content, narrative structure, narrative perspective and narrative voice and the writer-reader relation, elaborates on the process from novel writing to communication pattern, making it possible for the modern literary theories to be operated under clearly defined principles. Last, this paper uses the comparative poetics and intertexual theories to examine the extra-textual and intertextual meaning, incorporating multi-dimensional perspectives and bringing about the communication across various voices and texts, thus creating a world of textual convergence and shedding light on the value of The Essence of the Novel.Finally the paper points out that The Essence of the Novel lies at the crucial point of the infinite textual network. Historically, it marks a turning point from traditional literature to modern literature. From a tempo-spatial perspective, it has cross-civilization and transcendental significance. A thorough research into The Essence of the Novel can bring to light what is incorporated into The Essence of the Novel: Japanese classical culture, Chinese civilization and western civilization, thus providing an understanding of the past , the present and the future. This level of understanding echoes with the intertextual theory as well as hologram theory, just as the Huayanjing says,"Seeing the world in a mote of dust". Proceeding from a multi-dimensional perspective, this paper attempts to further the research by revealing the Japanese traits of texts as well as the inherent necessity of modern Japanese literature. It provides insights into modern Japanese literary works, literary communication across cultures and the traits of literary works in the process of transformation.What is new about the dissertation? (1) It is the first comprehensive study on The Essence of the Novel. Different from previous studies on The Essence of the Novel that are all confined to the first few chapters, this research touches upon every chapter of this work in an attempt to integrate intra-textual, extra-textual and inter-textual perspectives. In terms of depth and width, the current study is the first of its kind both in Japan and China. (2) The study is conducted by referring to rich and reliable sources. Survey on previous research on The Essence of the Novel done by Japanese scholars is all based on latest first-hand literature. (3)The dissertation presents a new approach– a multi-dimensional perspective which integrates modern philosophy, aesthetics and beyond. Apart from traditional analysis of writers and their writings, there are close reading, narrative analysis and intertexual analysis, which have been employed to reveal the significance of the classical work through communication and dialogue.