On The Bildungsroman Of Caowenxuan

Without any doubt Cao Wenxuan is an important writer in terms of Bildungsroman. He has written several full-length novels of consequence in the history of the development of Bildungsroman since the beginning of 1990s.The thesis intends first to define both the denotation and connotation of Bildungsroman and reveal the growth of individual life after a careful study of Cao's novels and views, and then it discusses the connotation and aesthetic implication of growth in his novels as well as their unique place in the development of Chinese Bildungsroman. The thesis consists of five parts. It reviews the evolution of the definition of Bildungsroman at home and abroad in the preface, based on which it generalizes the basic meaning of Bildungsroman and points out Cao's novels should be included into the study of Bildungsroman.In the first chapter the thesis generalizes the features of the rites of initiation in respect to divinity, symbolization and procedure in Cao's novels, and displays the exterior forms of the youth's growth.The second chapter discusses the youth's mental growth on their journey to adulthood considering their dreams, choices in difficulty and self-awareness. It implies that they begin to pursuit their ideals when having dreams, which is the first step on the road of mental growth. Difficulty and even sufferings are everywhere in the course. Only when they can make right choice and form right views on life have they become mentally mature. The most important symbol of the youth's maturity is that they begin to think deeply about and focus on themselves after having dreams and experiencing difficulties. Besides, they make various attempts, go through all kinds of hardships, undergo mental trials and overcome their own weaknesses so as to enter the transitional stage before their integration into the society. Finally they become the social men of independence and self-awareness in accordance with the social expectation for the nature of a man, which indicates they have been accepted by the society and have realized forward leap in mentality.The third chapter focuses on the literal and aesthetic meanings of Cao's novels. Literature has the responsibility for molding the characteristics of the nation. In the picturesque environment Cao's characters most are persevering, self-respecting, self-reliant, gentle, unsophisticated, kindhearted and honest. It is these qualities that cohere into the spiritual strength of our nation. The truth, good and beauty of human nature arouse people's desire for them and thus establishes the foundation of good human nature. As for the emotion and aesthetics there is a classical flavor in Cao's novels from which it is easy to find that he is wholly involved with the modern mental world. Through a good combination of classical sentiment and modern rationality in his writings Cao speculates on the modern consciousness in the end of the 20th century from an angle of classical aesthetics so as to realize the cohesion of the beauty and truth of the novels in the new century. In the conclusion the thesis points out the sense of studying Cao's novels as well as the weaknesses of his creation.