Space Narration In Tales Of Hulan River

Tales of Hulan River, created by Ms. Xiao Hong, is one of the master pieces of unique significance in modern Chinese literature. The thesis, with the subject of Space Narration in Tales of Hulan River, is based on study and analysis of Tales of Hulan River and aims to interpret the novel from a new angel of Space Narration theory, and finally concludes that space is a key factor in Tales of Hulan River, even way beyond the factor of timing; space is a core and engine leading narration of the tales.The thesis consists of three parts i.e. Introduction, Main Body (three chapters included) and Conclusion.The Introduction firstly studies various relevant theories in and outside of China such as "space", "space narration", etc. and concludes that space in this thesis has two dimensions, i.e. physical and social dimensions, not only referring to the physical places and sites for the stories and events, but also indicating the social background. It is advocated that Space Narration is generally comprised of three parts, namely, the pattern, the technique and the function. Then, the Introduction makes a further analysis on the current status of the study of Tales of Hulan River. Based upon the above work, the thesis puts forth the flow of thoughts and the meanings of studying this novel, which indicates that studying this novel from a new perspective of Space Narration theory is not only feasible and practicable, but also a new attempt and a good addition to the study.Chapter one is mainly emphasized on the pattern of Space Narration in Tales of Hulan River. The thesis puts forth a statement that the overall narrative pattern resembles the shape of an orange- the novel is focused on the Hulan River town, with various spaces scattered in the town being the supports, all creating a complete and organic space of narration. In parallel, the novel promotes narrative development by means of depicting a great number of spaces and scenes, diverting and switching the spaces and scenes. This pattern of space narration shaped like an orange breaks the pattern adopted by traditional Chinese novels that are largely based on a lineal cause-and-effect logic, and is unique with closed forms and open meanings. Chapter two probes into the techniques of Space Narration applied in Tales of Hulan River. Firstly, it discusses the skills of managing space. Ms. Xiao Hong adopts a double- angle view from both adult and children's points of view, mixes the two view angels of adults and children in narration of the tales, and thus successfully stretches the narrative space in the novel. Secondly, it comes to the skills of transforming space into time. By way of squeezing, splitting, and reducing the time, and highlighting and emphasizing space, the novel has constructed a colorful and unique way of spiritual narration in the process. Lastly, it ends up with the metaphoric effect of spatial images. Regardless of the image of town which suggests a meaning of "public", or the image of house which suggests a meaning of "private" in the novel, they both carry unique meanings with both material and social characteristics.Chapter three analyzes the function of Space Narration in the novel. It is mainly focused on the causes making Ms. Xiao Hong apply Space Narration in her writings, and the unique value and meanings of using the Space Narration in constructing a novel. The thesis states that the fact that Ms. Xiao Hong applied the way of Space Narration in Tales of Hulan River is a result of her life experiences, personal feelings and sensibility to sex. It is not only a reflection of her feelings unconsciously, but also a result of her pursuits in arts consciously. Space Narration is the unique feature of Ms. Xiao Hong's writing style. It has not only developed a new way of artistic expression in writing a novel in Chinese modern literature, but also added aesthetic and historic values to literature.The Conclusion part briefly reviews the main content of the thesis and further emphasizes that mirroring of forms and contents is not only a reflection of Space Narration in Tales of Hulan River, but also a way that the thesis uses to echo the novel. From depicting the pattern of Space Narration, analyzing the techniques of applying Space Narration method, to discussing the function of Space Narration, the thesis has penetrated, interpretatively, into the form and contents of the work, until the spiritual world of the author.