On The Myth Narrative In Root-seeking Fictions

Literature originated from mythology, while the aesthetic expression of literature is inseparable from myth. In the "root-seeking" craze of the1980s, myth as a literary tradition and a form of existence of "root" became important creative resources for "root-seeking" writers, and the way of imagination in myth also influenced their artistic thinking and literary expression. Because of the frequent mythical factor in root-seeking fictions, root-seeking fictions’feature of myth narrative deserves our attention.This paper combined with the related theories observes the myth narrative feature in root-seeking fictions, explores the type, meaning and artistic features of myth narrative in root-seeking fictions, so as to reveal the reason why root-seeking writers tend to use myth narrative and the value and significance of their myth narrative. The thesis is divided into five parts including three chapters.Introduction discusses the status quo of related existing researches to clarify the origin and value of this research.Chapter1seeks mainly the type and meaning of myth narrative in root-seeking fictions. Myths interspersed or used in root-seeking fictions mainly include creation myth, hero myth and tribal myth. The interweaving of the myth is of great significance to the expression of theme in root root-seeking fictions, e.g. some of them express the survival situation of a nation, some show the national spirit, some seek the legend of the tribe in the long run of history, thereby revealing the national origin and historical changes.Chapter2specifically addresses the artistic form of myth narrative in root-seeking fictions. As the origin of literature, mythology has accumulated its own ways of narrative in its evolution process. The ways of myth narrative in root-seeking fictions vary vastly, which can also be considered as derived from the richness and diversity of myth narrative and its outstanding ways of artistic expression include mainly temporal integration, a new interpretation of the myth and the presentation of imagery prototype in the myth, demonstrating the aesthetic characteristics of root-seeking fictions.Chapter3explores the reason why root-seeking fictions tend to apply myth narrative and its value and significance. In root-seeking fictions, the charm or value of the myth not only goes beyond its role as a spiritual wealth of humanity, but the rich culture mythology makes people begin to notice the importance of the "root" and the importance of finding the traditional culture. Root-seeking fictions’use of myth resource also has important literary significance. In the creative process of root-seeking fictions, the subject matter, content, character shaping as well as ways of thinking in myth all provide a reference to enrich the content and shape the characters of literature, while the mysterious storyline and the rendering of unique environment or atmosphere highlight the aesthetic feature in literary texts. The writers also by means of myths and legends express their reflections on current social issues or historical issues.Conclusion summarizes the whole text and reflects on limitations of myth narrative in root-seeking fictions.