On Narrative And Narrative Theory

The “argumentative narration” is not simply a combination of “argumentation”and “narration”, but an artistic expression of narrative language in the aspects ofargumentative philosophy and narratology from Mencius. This is to say that thenarrative characteristics and cultural analysis of Mencius should be built on theinteractive interpretation between what and how a narrative argument was conveyed.Due to the above reasons, this essay discusses narrative theme, narrative argumentand argumentative narration while interpreting Mencius in the interactive system ofnarrative theme and narratology, using the study aspect of narrative argument andargumentative narration. The forcus of this essay is on theme, expository strategies,and the cultural meaning of argumentative narration. The article is composed of threeparts:The first part:“argumentative narration” is within the scope of thematology.Focusing on the theme of Mencius,2aspects are discussed, the texture and style ofargumentative language. The texture includes the characteristics and the theme of theargumentative language; the style includes fictional sensibility and humoristicsarcasm of the argumentative language with reference to critical speech. The criticalspeech in quotations was shown in the Confucian language built with reference to theBook of Songs and the Book of History.The second part: the concept of narrative argument belongs to narratology, witha focus on the study of narrative strategies in Mencius. The arguments start fromMencius’s structure and strategies of narrative argument. The narrative argumentincludes the superficial and the deep modes; omniscience and restricted point of viewwere used interchangeably. Furthermore, the narration of Mencius is characteristic inthat it is scattered, fragmented, and weakly narrative.The third part: the cultural meaning is the cultural-moral explanation ofargumentative narration. The the moral standard of “righteousness”,“profit”,“ritual”,“filial piety” and didactic speech in Mencius have profound effect on culture andeducation afterwards.