Rewriting And Reconstruction Of Myth And Classics

The term "intertextuality" was first coined by Julia Kristeva in 1967, based on Bakhtin’s theory of "dialogism" and "polyphony". In a narrow sense, it indicates that literature is created from literature. Every literary work is a matter of convention and a reworking of what is old. The theory is skillfully employed by Toni Morrison in her writings. This thesis attempts to make a detailed analysis of Song of Solomon, her third published novel, from the approach of intertextuality, in order to outline its intertextual features and to expose Morrison’s purpose of applying the theory to it.The thesis is made up of seven chapters. Chapter One consists of a general introduction to Toni Morrison’s life and some earlier criticisms upon her and Song of Solomon. Chapter Two focuses on the theory of "intertextuality". Chapter Three to Chapter Six are the backbone of the thesis, devoted to the specific analysis of intertextuality in this novel. In chapter 3, sufficient evidence has been laid out that Song of Solomon has some referential relationships with the Bible. Chapter Four deals with generic intertextuality, mainly from the perspective of intertextual references to folklore tales such as flying tales and folklore songs revealed in this novel. Morrison brings the black culture to the center of her creation, breaks the cultural value system that puts the whites in the center and the blacks in the margin. The purpose is not only to subvert the white authority, but finally to put the black culture in an important position. In chapter 5, by initiating Milkman in his Odysseus-like quest, Morrison establishes intertextual relationship with Western traditional quest narrative. However, Morrison is intended to parody it. By repeating and revising the western literary canons, Morrison challenges the white stream culture, and at the same time, she restores and preserves African traditional culture and emphasizes the importance of black culture. In chapter 6, this thesis discusses the referential relationships between two famous African American works, which are Invisible Man and Song of Solomon. By inheriting of narrative strategy and folk culture, Morrison successfully revises the theme of identity problem. And the author points out that Afro-American identity could not avoid its racial background. Chapter Seven is the conclusion, summarizing the main points of the whole thesis. This thesis concludes that, Song of Solomon is a text with the great potential of constructing rich referential relations and its high artistry and in-depth meaning can be unveiled through the intertextual reading. Moreover, the intertextual reading will contribute to literary study.